Exploring health hazards of pesticide exposure among irrigation farmers in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study explores health hazards associated with pesticide use among dry-season commercial vegetable farmers. Research questions and objectives for the study were set to explore health hazards due to pesticide exposure and the level of risk awareness among the farmers. The study used an inductive qualitative research approach and the interpretivist approach to gain a deeper understanding of social phenomena from human experiences and perspectives. Data were collected using an in-depth interview and focus group discussions in four farming communities through purposive and convenience sampling techniques. Forty participants were used for the Focus Group Discussions, and four were used for the in-depth interviews. A qualitative data analysis technique was used to analyse the data. All themes were selected using a thematic approach, and interviews were digitally recorded. Verbatim transcriptions were made, and the accuracy of the transcriptions was verified. The socioeconomic characteristics revealed that most participants were uneducated and fell within the age range of 27 to 67 years.
Furthermore, the findings revealed that even though they know the health hazards associated with pesticide use, they do not see the magnitude involved, which was attested to how they handle the pesticides without using any personal protective equipment while preparing, spraying, and disposing of containers. The study further revealed that apart from headaches and sneezing, the farmers face no health challenges; they do not seek assistance from farm officials and use water from the wash boreholes for their irrigation activities. The study, therefore, recommends that authorities monitor and educate irrigation farmers on the proper handling and use of pesticides. Furthermore, awareness campaigns among farmers on the health hazards associated with pesticide use and when to harvest their produce after spraying with pesticides are also recommended.