Environmental Health Risk Behaviors Related to Agrochemical Exposure Among Rice Farmers in Izzi Local Government Area, Ebonyi State

ABSTRACT

The large-scale use of agrochemicals has raised environmental and human health concerns. A comprehensive intervention strategy for improving agro-chemical safety among rice farmers in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebony State which comprises six communities (Agbja, Ndiebor, Ezza-Inyimegu, Ibeagu, Mgba-ukwu and Ndieze) is lacking. This study is carried out in light of the crucial importance of rice in the attainment of food security status. The study was designed to (i) assess the difference in the different types of pesticide used in rice cultivation (ii) evaluate farmers perception on health risk behaviours regarding the different health belief model. (iii) examine self-reported health issues that are influenced by farmers pesticides use. The study was conducted in Izzi Local Government Area. Data were collected from 400 farmers. Data comprise of questionnaire distribution and records from hospital. The questionnaire distribution sample size of 400 was obtained using the Taro Yamane’s formula. Bowleys formula was applied to determine the number of questionnaire for each study locations which was proportionate to the population of the study locations. Data collected were presented in form of tables and graph. The hypothesis number one and two was tested using the ANOVA and hypothesis three was tested using multiple linear regression analysis. The findings included: the difference in the types of pesticides used within the different communities (p-0.100) due to their ability to protect and improve yield. The knowledge of agrochemical use constitutes a basic knowledge of agrochemical safety behaviors. The farmers acknowledge the existence of health risk associated with exposure to pesticides which affect the condition of life and life supporting system. The result of the objective 2 showed significant differences on perception of farmers concerning health risk behavior amongst the different health belief model (P=0.0000). The farmers had moderate level of perceived susceptibility to, severity of benefit of and barrier to using agrochemical safety. The study also noted that the use of pesticide has strong positive relationship on health related issues (R=0.999 and P value – 0.018) for miscarriage, skin diseases, respiratory disorder and vomiting. Major risk factor related to agrochemical exposure resulted from the misuse of pesticides, including erroneous belief of farmer regarding pesticide toxicity. Hence the study reveals that health risk behaviours regarding agrochemical exposure in the study area is mainly caused by lack of attention to safety precautions and use of faulty protective gear. The study thus recommends that an intervention program is necessary to improve safety with regard to agrochemical in rice in Izzi Local Government Area.