DR. ABONGO DEBORAH ATIENO

Citation:

Momanyi VN, Margaret K, Abong’o DA, Warutere P. "Farmers’ compliance to pesticide use standards in Mwea irrigation scheme, Kirinyaga County, Kenya." Int J Innov Res Adv Stud. 2019;6(10):67-73.

Abstract:

Description
Kirinyaga County is the leading producer of tomatoes in Kenya and farmers heavily rely on pesticides to control pests and diseases. The aim of the study was to evaluate the farmers’ compliance to pesticide use standards. The study was conducted in Kirinyaga County at Mwea Irrigation Scheme between July 2017 and June 2018. The study used a Cross-Sectional design that included 203 farmers (198 from open field, 5 from greenhouse farms) who grow tomatoes and use pesticides consistently for at least 2 years. Out of 20 pesticides mainly applied in open field farms, 16 were applied at significantly (P< 0.05, 0.01, 0.001) higher rates and tomatoes sprayed with 19 of the pesticides were harvested at significantly (P< 0.05, 0.01, 0.001) shorter Pre-Harvest Intervals, than recommended by the manufactures. On the other hand, out of all, 12, pesticides applied on in greenhouses, 3 were applied at significantly higher rates, and tomatoes sprayed with 2 pesticides were harvested at shorter durations than specified by the manufacturers. Farmers did not comply with the laid down standards. Non-compliance was due to ignorance, intentional and reliance on neighbor’s and their own, information. The study recommends frequent education and training for farmers by Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and Fisheries on safe use of pesticides to help improve on compliance to pesticide use standards.

Int J Innov Res Adv Stud