ISSN 2375-0693
African Journal of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development ISSN: 2375-0693 Vol. 4 (4), pp. 327-334, April, 2016.© International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
A study of farmers’ awareness of the effects of pesticides use in Osun state, Nigeria
Okonkwo A. Vincent*, E. R Awolowo and Bozine H. Elliot
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]
Accepted 29 January, 2016
Abstract
This study analysed farmers’ awareness of European Union (EU) ban on using some cocoa pesticides and factors determining use of pesticides by farmers. Tobit model was fitted to the cross sectional data collected from 100 sampled farmers across six (6) local governments’ area of Osun State, Nigeria. Although majority (74%) of the respondents are aware of the EU Pronouncement, some of the banned chemicals are still being use by farmers. Results from Tobit estimates indicate that pesticide price is among the significant variables influencing the decision to use a particular pesticide or not. Major policy thrusts for devising pesticide use regulation, increasing farmers’ awareness of the harmful effects of using banned pesticide and regulating pesticide prices to an affordable level are suggested to ensure appropriate use of pesticides by farmers.
Key words: Pesticides, cocoa beans, awareness, pesticide use, Tobit model.