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A Cross-Sectional Study of Pesticide Use and Knowledge of Smallholder Potato Farmers in Uganda
Joint Authors
Kroschel, Jürgen
Okonya, Joshua S.
Source
Issue
Vol. 2015, Issue 2015 (31 Dec. 2015), pp.1-9, 9 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2015-10-25
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
9
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
In response to increased pest and disease problems, potato farmers use pesticides, which could raise environmental and health concerns.
This study sought to promote proper and safe pesticide-handling practices by providing data needed to guide pesticide regulation policy and training for extension staff and farmers.
A household survey was conducted in three major potato-growing agroecological zones of Uganda.
Two hundred and four potato farmers were interviewed about the type and source of pesticides they use in potato cultivation, the frequency of applications, the use of protective clothing, and cases of pesticide poisoning.
The types of pesticides used in potato were fungicides (72%), insecticides (62%), and herbicides (3%).
Overall, use of personal protective equipment was low, that is, gumboots (73%), gloves (7%), face masks (16%), and long sleeve shirts (42%).
Forty-three percent of farmers who applied pesticides reported having experienced skin itching, 25% skin burning sensation, 43% coughing, 60% a runny nose, 27% teary eyes, and 42% dizziness.
An IPM approach involving only moderately to slightly hazardous pesticides when pest and disease incidence has reached economic injury levels and by considering all safety measures during application and storage would be environmentally recommendable and result in reduced health risks.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Okonya, Joshua S.& Kroschel, Jürgen. 2015. A Cross-Sectional Study of Pesticide Use and Knowledge of Smallholder Potato Farmers in Uganda. BioMed Research International،Vol. 2015, no. 2015, pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1056651
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Okonya, Joshua S.& Kroschel, Jürgen. A Cross-Sectional Study of Pesticide Use and Knowledge of Smallholder Potato Farmers in Uganda. BioMed Research International No. 2015 (2015), pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1056651
American Medical Association (AMA)
Okonya, Joshua S.& Kroschel, Jürgen. A Cross-Sectional Study of Pesticide Use and Knowledge of Smallholder Potato Farmers in Uganda. BioMed Research International. 2015. Vol. 2015, no. 2015, pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1056651
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-1056651