Farmer’s knowledge and practices on proper use of pesticides on tomato production to ensure safety among consumers: a case study of Mvomero district, Morogoro
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Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Abstract
Farmer’s knowledge and practices on proper use of pesticides in vegetables production is very
crucial for increasing productivity while reducing the associated health risks. However, knowledge
and practices on the use of pesticides in tomatoes production is limited. Therefore, this study
aimed at assessing knowledge and practices on proper use of pesticides in tomatoes production
for appropriate interventions. A cross sectional study was done at Doma and Mlali wards in
Mvomero district among 120 randomly selected tomato farmers who were face to face interviewed
using a questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done using SPSSTM version 20.
Results showed that 100% of farmers used pesticides to control tomato pests and diseases of which
54% preferred Snow tiger (Chlorofenapyr) and Dudumetrin (Sumithrin). About 85% reported to
be reading pesticide instructions before applying but 45.8% among them did not adhere to the
instructions claiming the recommended dosage to be inefficient. About 57% harvest tomatoes after
seven days while others harvest at any time when they get customers. Ninety two percent of the
farmers know the effects of improper use of pesticides on health however; among them 20% are
not sure of the specific health effects. Knowledge on health effects of improper use of pesticide was
significantly associated with reading instructional labels (AOR 2.99, 95% CI: 1.06-3.95) after
adjusting for education levels and attending trainings on pesticides use. Generally, there is low
knowledge on proper use of pesticides in tomatoes production and their associated health effects
which creates a need for educating farmers and the public on proper use of pesticides to safeguard
the health of consumers.
Description
Journal article
Keywords
Farmers, Knowledge, Practices, Pesticides Use, Mvomero