Analysis of adherence to application rate and perception of pesticides use on environment among cocoa farmers in Nigeria

Abstract

In developing countries, pesticides application is characterised by gross misuse among farmers which have threatened the environment. The study was therefore conducted to investigate adherence to pesticides application rate and perception of use on the environment among cocoa farmers in Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 480 respondents for the study. Data collected were analysed with the aid of descriptive statistics and probit model. Analysis revealed that majority of the respondents (68%) did not adhere to pesticides application rate as contained in the pesticides label. Farmers’ adherence to pesticides application rate was positive and significantly influenced by level of education of household head and access to radio. Majority of the respondents perceived that the use of pesticides has negative impact on the environment. The farmers therefore need education for the rightful application of pesticides according to the recommended rate.

Key Words: Adherence, Pesticides, Application, Perception, Environment, Cocoa farmers