Assessment of the Current Patterns and Practices of use of Pesticides in Tomato Based Agrosystem in Kaliluni, Kathiani Constituency, Kenya

Abstract

Pesticides havebeen of great benefit to agriculture in Kenya by decreasing crop damage frominsects, weeds, plant diseases, rodents and other pests. They have also saved lives through control of disease-carrying insects and increasedthe quality and quantity ofagricultural produce. However,pesticides are poisons, that if not properly used can affect human health and contaminate the environment.In this study, 72 households in Kaliluni, Kathiani Constituencyin Kenyawere involved in a cross-sectional survey to assess thefrequency of pesticide use, storage, use ofpersonal protective clothing, mixing, disposal of pesticide containers and knowledgeof pesticides. Tools used for data collection were: structured pretested questionnaire, personal interviews, focused group discussion and observational checklists. The study revealed that 86.1% of the respondents use pesticides on weekly basis whereas 12.5% use it after every two weeks.It was found that 72.2% of the respondents store pesticides in insecure and unventilated store.In addition the study revealed that 50% of the respondents always wear apron when applying pesticides whereas 41.7% do not wear apron when applying pesticides.Majority of farmers, 76.4%, mixed Carbamate and Pyrethroid before applying the pesticides to tomatoes. According to thestudy, 51.4% of the farmersbury the expired chemicals whereas 26.4% ensures that they buy enough chemicals thus avoiding expiry of chemicals.From the study it was found out that majority of the farmers, 59.7% were aware that pesticides have effect on environment while 40.3% are not aware of the same. Education interventions particularly at the point of sale and by relevant Government Agencies would be critical avenue for promoting safe use of pesticides by farmers