| Popis: |
Pesticides are commonly used in the prevention or control of pests such as insect pests, mites, disease, and weeds in crops to increase production and productivity. The aim of the current study was designed to assess the pesticide utilization, practice, pesticide-related knowledge, and perception of farmers and to evaluate the protective measure taken by the farmers. For this purpose, field surveys were carried in Amibara, Gewane, Assayita, and Fentale districts during the 2019 main crop cropping season. A total of 128 small-scale holder farmers, 25 large-scale holder farmers, 30 sprayers, and 12 extensions were interviewed closed and opened questioners. The results revealed that the majority of farmers (44.5%) between the age of 41 and 50 years old, while only fourteen those (9.4%) were more than 51 years old. Regarding the educational level of smallholder farmers, 49.2% were illiterates, 27.9% elementary school, 17.0% secondary school and 5.8% had completed high school. The majority of sprayers (66.7%) were elementary school level. The unsafe and indiscriminate use of pesticides in agriculture represents a major hazard to the environment and human health. All farmers (100%) acknowledged that pesticides were harmful to their health and the environment. Over 63.2% of the farmers did not read or follow pesticide label instructions, and 78.5% did not use any personal protective equipment during spray operation and formulation pesticides. When disposing of pesticide empty containers, respondents adopted unsafe practices such as through near irrigated canal, burning, dumping in the field, domestic use, and burying. Less than 50% of smallholder farmers obtained training on pesticide use 14.8%, application method 16.6%, disposal of empty container 13.3%, and storage and safety 10.2%. Results also demonstrated that all farmers showed poor practices regarding the disposal of empty pesticide containers. The present study revealed that the utilization and practices of pesticides in irrigated cotton-producing areas in the Awash Valley of Ethiopia. It also demonstrated the role of retailers, importers, and state extension workers in providing information and advice to the farmers. Future researches should focus on the merit and demerit of mixing two or more pesticides to control insect pests and on the evaluation of different pesticide resistance development against a variety of insect pests in cotton-growing areas. |
