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Impact of Pesticides Use on Farmers' Health: Evidence from Bangladesh

M. Alam
Professor
Dept. of Farm Power and Machinery Bangladesh Agricultural University Mymensingh-2202.

S. Kleisinger
Professor
University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Federal Republic of Germany.

E. Sehsah
Researcher
University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Federal Republic of Germany.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

A research was undertaken to find the impact of pesticides use on farmers' health. A survey was conducted with structural questionnaires to collect information on pesticides use, practices, risk perceptions, precaution and health effect from 165 farmers of five districts in Bangladesh. The data were analyzed using different software in the University of Hohenheim. lt was found that a number of villagers poisoned by pesticides and the mortality rate were 10%. The main causes of poisoning were accidentals ingestion. The poisoning in children are also remarkable with 24% of total reported cases. The poisoning occurred from different pesticides but the villagers could not remember the name of brand. There was no record available in hospital or health Centre on poisoning from pesticides. The general linear model produced in SAS software was made for analyzing the variance and finding the effect of pesticides on operators' health. The analysis indicated that the amount of pesticides applied, training, using protection measures and number of exposures were significantly associated with the probability of farmers' health impairment from pesticides use However, the other variables such as active ingredient, categories of hazards, education, training on lPM, body index, age and income had no statistically significance on the mutilation on farmers' heath. The research concluded that poisoning from pesticides could be reduced significantly by trained the farmers/operators for using correct dose, taking proper protective measures and averting behavior in handling pesticides.

Keywords: Pesticides, Health, Farmar's

Location: Jamalpur, Mymensingh, Gazipur, Netrokona and Sherpur.

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Non-commodity: Performance

Objectives:

To find the impact of pesticides use on farmers' health in Bangladesh.

Methodology:

A survey was conducted in selected areas (Jamalpur, Mymensingh, Gazipur, Netrokona and Sherpur) of Bangladesh by using a structured questionnaire to collect information on pesticides use, practices, and their problems/sickness. The questionnaire was pre-tested by 10 different farmers from different locations and it was changed as required. For the actual study, 152 farmers were selected randomly from a list of the local agricultural extension officer, member and chairman of union council. The poising from pesticides records were collected from villagers and local hospitals. The information on the use of protective measures/clothes, active ingredient of the pesticides, age, bodyweight, height, education level, income, numbers of exposure per season, over used of pesticides then recommended dose, training on lPM, training on pesticides application and handling, WHO categories of used pesticides were also collected. Farmers were asked about their diseases which were related to pesticides as their opinion. There was no provision in the project to medical check up of their disease. However, these information were used to determine the effect of pesticides on farmers' health. A tape recorder was used during the interview to clarify any confusion or missing answers. After completing the survey, the answers of farmers were coded and entered in Microsoft Excel spreadsheet for data analysis. The general linear model procedure in SAS software was used for analysing the variance and finding the affect of different factors (farmer's age, education level, training, and IPM knowledge etc.) on impact of health for using pesticides.

Source of Information: J. Agric. Mach. Bioresour. Eng. 4(1&2),2006: 87-94

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Pesticides applied in unsafe conditions, putting in peril the life of women, men and children in farming communities, as well as insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Education and awareness-raising can reduce the worst cases of unsafe use of pesticides, and help to prevent accidents. The international community, and particularly rural development organizations, must increase their efforts to encourage a safer and more sustainable agriculture. Therefore, the study recommended that following measures should be adopted to help prevent pesticide poisoning. Farmers who are working with pesticides should be trained in essential precautions, including protective clothing and other elements, in order to reduce associated risks. A precautionary approach should be adopted and the most dangerous (WHO Class la and lb) chemicals should be prohibited immediately. Pesticide control should be a strengthening. More control is needed over pesticide sales and outlets and direct promotion of pesticides to farmers and agricultural workers by company representatives. The farm workers should be regularly reminded of the hazardous nature of chemicals. The health of the workers should be monitored regularly.

Knowledge Management: Journal