Dangerous pesticide use in Nigeria

More than 600,000 farming households in Akwa Ibom state of Nigeria may be exposed to pesticide hazards due to poor handling conditions, according to a recent study based on interviews with 180 households in agricultural areas. Researchers found that use of highly hazardous pesticides and inadequate safety precautions are common.

According to the study, the predominant pesticides used in the region were monocrotophos, pirimiphos-methyl, carbetamide, paraquat, atrazine, oxidiazon and pyrethroids. Thirty-three per cent of households reported using lindane, a highly persistent and widely banned insecticide; 17% reported using DDT.

The head of the study, Dr A.J. Udoh of the University of Uyo in Nigeria, stated that widely banned pesticides are used because they are readily available or cheaper than pesticides recommended by government extension agents.

Although most farm families reported having some knowledge about pesticide safety, 43% said they had received their information from friends and neighbours.

Only 20% of the farmers surveyed stored pesticides in their original containers, while 55% used other bottles or containers and 15% used food and beverage containers.

Investigators also observed pesticides being stored alongside food, in non-ventilated rooms and in living areas. An average of six children live in each household.

Many of the commonly used pesticides should not be applied to crops less than five to 21 days before harvest. However, none of the households observed a safety period of 21 days, and 22% harvested their produce only three days after the last application.

Over 50% of the farm produce is for family consumption. Since family members work with pesticides in the fields and then consume much of the same produce at home, they are exposed to pesticides both occupationally and through residues on foods.

[From Pesticide Action Network North America Updates Service.]

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