Abstract:
Pesticides are commonly used in developing countries as a cheap mechanism of controlling pests. However, there is information gap concerning their use. This study aimed at investigating pesticide use practice, risk perception and its potential impacts on the environment in semi-urban of Holeta town, Ethiopia. For data collection, both purposive and random sampling techniques were used. Semi-structured questioners were used to collect primary data from 138 farmers. Secondary data were also collected from different sources. The data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics and Chi-Square Test of Independence using STATA 13 software. The potential impact of pesticides used by farmers was assessed by using the Environmental Impact Quotient model. The study revealed that, all the sample respondents used 2,4-D dimethylamine and 81.88 % used Pyroxsulam to eliminate broad leaved and all types of weeds respectively. According to the study, there was no safe handling of pesticides containers and leftover after spraying. Some of the mechanisms by which farmers were disposing pesticides containers include reselling and other uses (11%), burring (9.42%) and disposing in to pits (52.9%). There was a significant relationship between the educational level and knowledge of environmental and health impact of pesticides use, χ2 (5, N=138) = 25.24, p = .000; Cramér’s V = 0.43. There were uses of rubber boots (97%) and hats (89%) as a PPE during spraying. None of the farmers were found to use respiratory PPE during spraying which may pose health effect on the pesticide applicator. Majority of the pesticides’ active ingredients (66.7%) used by farmer were found to have an EIQ higher than the threshold of the low level of impact (EIQ = 20) indicating that the pesticides are risky to the environment. Therefore, it is recommended to organize and give training for farmers on pesticide and PPE use; educate and train farmers to use and promote organic farming; educate farmers to practice IPM; spraying pesticides by citified pesticide sprayer and look for appropriate technologies such as biological pest control mechanisms
