Pesticide Exposure among Farmers in Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya
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Date
2023
Authors
Oyaro, Bikwendo Kevin
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
kenyatta university
Abstract
Kenya as a country relies on agriculture to sustain its economy. Agriculture contributes up to 33% GDP. The quality and quantity of agricultural produce is dependent on the use of different pest controlling mechanisms such as pesticides. The use of pesticides exposes farmers to health complications resulting from contact with chemicals through the application and handling. The main objective of this study was to determine pesticide exposure among farmers of Kwanza sub-county in Trans-Nzoia County. The specific objectives were; to determine the exposure rate of farmers to pesticides, to assess the level of knowledge, determine practice associated with handling pesticides, finding out the perceived health effects and determining the significant risk factors associated with pesticide exposure. To achieve its specific objectives, the study employed a cross-sectional study design. The study used purposive sampling to select participants from Kwanza subcounty and stratified random sampling was employed to pick the participants from within the four elective wards. The study involved 323 participants who filled semistructured questionnaires as a data collection tool. In addition to the use of semi-
xi
structured questionnaires, FGDs and observation checklist was also used to collect data. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22. Confidence interval used to prove exposure proportion, likert scale and a chi square test of independence to determine levels of knowledge and practice, Odds Ratio was used to show the association among variables (Sociodemographics and pesticide exposure). Qualitative data was analyzed and presented thematically according to the study objectives. The proportion of farmers exposed was 61% which was within range of CI calculated (51.6% and 70.4%). The socio-demographic factors income (1.66), gender (2.26), age (1.38) and education (4.02) were found to be strongly associated with pesticide exposure due to their OR values being above 1 and chi square test for independence being below P<0.05. Knowledge and practice were below the P<0.05 indicating significance and showing good knowledge and practice that is above average. The study established that farmers in Kwanza sub-county in Trans-Nzoia County employed standard practices when handling pesticides. The Gastro intestinal Tract was found to be the primary medium of acute exposure to pesticides among the farmers. The study found out that farmers’ knowledge of pesticides increased with high education level and training. On practice, the study established that training offered and level of education of individuals is effective in reducing exposure. The study concluded that farmers of Kwanza sub-county in Trans-Nzoia County had basic knowledge on the best practices to handle pesticides but lacked the necessary finances to implement. Thus, it is recommended that farmers in Kwanza sub-county needed to explore financial platforms to help on financial constraints. Furthermore, emphasis on avoiding contamination to reduce the occurrences of acute toxicity while on the farm should be implemented via sanitation practices. Additionally, it’s also recommended that regular monitoring and evaluation of practices when handling pesticides should be done to further increase on the practices of pesticide handling.
Description
A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the
Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of
Science in (Environmental Health) in the School of Health
Sciences of Kenyatta University
Keywords
Pesticide, Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya