Pesticides and Health in Vegetable Production in Kenya
Abstract
This paper investigates the determinants of pesticide-related cost of illness (COI) and acute symptoms, using a balanced panel of 363
farmers interviewed fromsevenmajor vegetable producing districts ofKenya. Finding shows that the incidences of pesticide-related
health impairments have increased. Variation in number of symptoms and symptom severity significantly explained COI. The
personal protective equipment (PPE), education level, record keeping, and geographical location considerably determined health
impairments. Encouraging the proper use of PPE and record keeping of pesticide use could greatly reduce poisoning cases and COI.