Perceived Impact of Agrochemicals on Human Health and Environment among Farmers in Nsukka Agricultural Zone, Enugu State

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of agrochemicals on human health and environment. Three specific objectives and one hypothesis guided the study. Descriptive cross-sectional survey research design was adopted for the study. The study was conducted in Nsukka agricultural zone among farmers. Population for the study was 5800 full-time farmers in Nsukka agricultural zone. Multi-stage sampling was used to draw a sample of 400 farmers. Instrument for data collection was a researcher designed questionnaire consisting of 15 items. The face validity of the instrument was established by three experts from the department of Human Kinetics and Health Education. Reliability of the instrument was established using split half method and reliability coefficient of .78 was obtained using Cronbach alpha. Data was collected by the researcher with the help of two research assistants from each community. Frequencies and percentages were used to analyze the data. Results indicated that high proportions (66.4%, 63.1%) of farmers indicated that agrochemicals impact negatively on health and environment respectively, and there was significant difference in the impacts of agrochemicals among farmers based on levels of education. The findings of the study concluded that high proportions of the farmers indicated that agrochemicals impact negatively on human health and environment. The study recommended that farmers association should periodically organize workshops to share opinions on the benefits, dosage and type of agrochemicals to reduce exposure to agrochemicals and its adverse effects on human health and environment.