Effects of Agro-Chemicals Usage by Farmers in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

 Agrochemicals are used by farmers in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State - Nigeria to increase crop yields and food production.  Most of the farmers are often literate and can follow precautions for their usage and application, decreasing the risk of exposures to humans and the environment. However, great fear has been expressed over the effects of agricultural chemicals on farmers' crops but little has been said about the effects such chemicals may have health effect on farmers who use the chemicals. Such issues may serve as points of focus around which workers involved in the use of these chemicals could be organized. While working with agrochemicals will always have dangers associated with it, a dual strategy at the point where these chemicals are used can help minimize these dangers. Moreover, one needs to ensure that farmers take direct responsibility in ensuring that suitable standards of safety are observed. The study has provided new innovative ways to widen the knowledge of farmers on the use and handling of agro-chemicals. The present study examined farmers’ perceptions of the health effects of the use of agrochemicals in Madagali LGA. It has been revealed that agrochemicals were used by 85% of the farmers in the study area to maximize productivity. In addition, 65% and 83% of farmers used inorganic fertilizers and pesticides, respectively, to enhance production.  Most of the farmers 76% had high levels of education and were able to read instructions for agrochemical use, therefore increasing the likelihood of agrochemical misuse and exposure to farmers. In total, 86.7% of farmers were exposed to the harmful effects of agrochemicals during their application. Finally, approximately 30% of farmers studied reported haven fallen sick after exposure to agrochemicals. This shows most farmers in Madagali local governments of Adamawa State –Nigeria are conversant with agro-chemicals.