mpact of Agrochemicals on Health and the Environment in Badegi and Environs, Niger State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Continuous use of agrochemical against agricultural pest and disease vectors poses serious threats upon both human health and environment in the study area. The study thus sought to determine the farmers knowledge, attitude and practices with regard to use of agrochemicals in crop production within Baddegi and environs, Niger State and their potential impact on environment and human health. The main data for the study were sourced using structured questionnaire, oral interview and field survey which were the main instruments for data collection. The study respondents were 387 and simple random sampling was used to distribute the questionnaires among the respondents. Three hundred and forty one (341) questionnaires were returned and the analysis was done on this basis. Data collected using questionnaire and oral interview were analysed statistically through frequency percentage 3-point Likert scale and statistical mean in the study area. The study revealed type of agrochemicals to apply in farms were determine through use own experience, asks what other farmers have used, as advised by extension officer and experiments on different types then choose. The names of agrochemicals used in the study area include Glyphosate, Orizo plus, Urea, NPK, Gamaline and Butter clow. The study also revealed that 292 respondents affirmed that their exist health problems associated with the use of agrochemicals in the study area and 49 respondents said they do not suffer any health problem due to the use of agrochemicals. These health problems include skin, eye, stomach and respiratory irritations. The finding shows that surface water ranked the highest °n the effect of agrochemical with 87 respondents and air ranked the least affected component of the environment. This implies that all the components of the environment were affected with agrochemicals in the study area as affirmed.