Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Pesticide Use among Smallholder Onion Farmers: Evidence from Fogera District, South Gondor Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

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Date

2024-10

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Addis Ababa University

Abstract

This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of smallholder onion growing smallholder farmers in Fogera District, South Gondar Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, towards pesticide use, addressing significant gaps in understanding how these factors influence safe pesticide practices. The primary objective was to assess farmers’ awareness of the health and environmental risks associated with pesticide use and to evaluate their pesticide application practices. Utilizing a cross-sectional research design, data were collected from 300 smallholder farmers through structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and field observations. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 27, employing both descriptive and inferential methods, including regression and correlation analyses. The findings reveal that while a considerable proportion of farmers possess a certain level of knowledge regarding pesticide use, but notable gaps exist in their understanding of safe practices and the environmental impacts of pesticides. Approximately 62.4% of the variance in pesticide use was attributed to knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The study highlights a concerning trend of unsafe pesticide handling, including the mixing of expired chemicals and inadequate use of personal protective equipment. In conclusion, the study underscores the need for enhanced awairness creation programs focused on safe pesticide practices and improved access to personal protective equipment’s. Recommendations include promoting integrated pest management (IPM) strategies and establishing safe waste disposal facilities, aiming to mitigate health risks and environmental hazards associated with pesticide use among smallholder onion farmers in Ethiopia.

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Keywords

pesticide use, knowledge, practice, attitude, smallholder farmers, onion and sustainable agriculture

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