Health risks assessment for paddy rice farmers during rice crop production in Eastern Tanzania
Loading...
Date
2020
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies
Abstract
The study was conducted to assess health risks of paddy rice farmers using agrochemicals in System Rice
Intensification (SRI) and non SRI farms in Mkindo and Hembeti villages in Mvomero District, Eastern
Tanzania. Structured questionnaires and face to face interviews were used for data collection. The
majority of paddy rice farmers in the study villages (96.67% and 86.6% of respondents in Hembeti and
Mkindo respectively) confirmed using agrochemicals in their paddy fields. Generally, the use of
agrochemicals was higher in non SRI than in SRI farms. Most of agrochemicals used in these study
villages were found to be in class II hazard with moderate effects on both human and environment health.
The storage and disposal systems of pesticide containers in the study villages were observed to be
reasonably good and hence risks of pesticides poisoning and contamination of soil and water sources
were considered to be limited. It was further noted that most paddy rice farmers do not use complete
person protective equipment (PPE) probably due to poverty and limited knowledge on the importance of
such equipment in protecting themselves against effects of pesticides on health. Furthermore, the study
revealed that there was substantial shortage of extension officers who could educate the paddy rice
farmers and agrochemicals shop sellers on the health effects of pesticides used in rice production. On the
basis of the findings in the current study, increasing farmer’s awareness and training aimed at equipping
farmers with knowledge on sustainable agriculture, agrochemicals uses and integrated pest management,
so as to lower the potential health effects of such chemicals, is recommended.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
System rice intensification, Agrochemicals, Health effects, Pest management, Personal protective equipment