Knowledge and Practices of Pesticides Used against the Bean Fly (Ophiomyia phaseoli) and Associated Health Effects among Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) Smallholder Farmers in Kabaru Location, Nyeri County

Abstract

Farmers' knowledge and practices regarding pesticides used against the bean fly, (Ophiomyia phaseoli) and the associated health effects is of great public health importance. This information is lacking among smallholder bean farmers in many sub-Saharan countries. A structured questionnaire was administered to 385 study participants. Systematic random sampling using a point transect method was performed and both qualitative and quantitative methods were used. A Likert Scale was used to scale responses. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Differences between response categories were determined using the Chi-square test. The pesticides used in this study belonged to the pyrethroids (55%), organophosphates (18%), neonicotinoids (18%), and carbamate (9%) chemical families all of which belong to the WHO class II. Data from the Likert Scale on knowledge of pesticides showed that 96% scored above15 out of highest score of 20. Similarly on practices, 76% scored above 12 out of the highest score 15. The major self-reported clinical effects following pesticide use were headache, backache, dizziness, eye problems and sneezing. Although the farmers had a reasonable knowledge of the hazards of pesticides, they utilized undesirable practices such as incomplete use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Therefore, more training is recommended to promote pesticide knowledge and safer practices for all the farmers.