ASSESSING THE INFLUENCE OF AGROCHEMICAL APPLICATION ON HUMAN HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL WELL-BEING
Impact of Agrochemical Applications on Human Health and the Environment in Baddegi and Surrounding Areas, Niger State, Nigeria
The indiscriminate or deliberate use of agrochemicals has led to their pervasive presence in the environment, resulting in adverse effects on ecosystems and non-target organisms within the study region. This research investigates the repercussions of agrochemical application on both human health and the environment in the vicinity of Baddegi, Niger State, Nigeria. The research employs a combination of questionnaires and oral interviews for data collection, while employing statistical tools such as frequency percentages, a 5-point Likert scale, mean calculations, and a 3-point Likert scale for data analysis.
The study reveals that the primary motivation for agrochemical application is to enhance yields, as indicated by 203 respondents. Pest and disease control ranks second in importance, with 67 respondents, while improving marketability through enhanced appearance ranks lowest, with only 11 respondents. Results indicate that the selection of agrochemical types for use on farms is primarily influenced by personal experience, seeking advice from fellow farmers, recommendations from extension officers, and experimentation with various options before making a choice.
Regarding health implications, 292 respondents acknowledge experiencing health issues attributed to the use of agrochemicals, while 49 respondents claim no such health problems. The reported health problems encompass skin, eye, stomach, and respiratory irritations. The research categorizes the perceived risk of agrochemical effects on soil, air, surface water, aquatic organisms, and birds into four levels. “Moderately harmful” receives the highest ranking with 153 respondents, while “not harmful” receives the least support, with 42 respondents. Among the environmental components assessed, surface water emerges as the most significantly affected by agrochemicals, with 87 respondents citing its impact, while air registers the lowest perceived impact.
This study underscores the comprehensive influence of agrochemicals on all environmental components within the study area, as attested by the respondents. It recommends that key agricultural stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture, initiate awareness campaigns to educate farmers on the responsible and effective utilization of agrochemicals. This approach aims to not only enhance productivity but also prevent adverse consequences for both the environment and human health.
ASSESSING THE INFLUENCE OF AGROCHEMICAL APPLICATION ON HUMAN HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL WELL-BEING. GET MORE, ACTUARIAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS
