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Author or Institution as Author
Mutinta J. Malambo, ZARI
Co-authors

Mweshi Mukanga2 , James Nyirenda3 , Bupe Kabamba4 , Robert K. Salati5 

Funding Partner
Date of publication
Edition or Version
3.00
Institution
International journal of Horticulture, Agriculture and Food science(IJHAF)
File format
Language
Gender marker
Youth marker
Description/Abstract

Pesticides are essential for the control of infestation of disease, insect pests and weeds on different crops. Due to wide usage of synthetic pesticides which may lead to increased exposure and associated environmental and health risks among small-holder farmers in Zambia, a study was undertaken to understand how knowledgeable farmers are on pesticide use and practices. A total of 418 small scale farmers were randomly sampled from Mkushi, Mpongwe, Luangwa, Mbala, Solwezi, Chipata and Kalomo Districts of Zambia. Data pertaining to types of pesticides use, handling, storage and disposal was solicited using structured questionnaires. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS. Findings revealed that of the sampled farmers 43%, 30%, 25% and 17% used Glyphosate, Dicamba, Paraquat and Atrazine respectively as herbicides in Maize. 21% and 14% used Cypermethrine and Monocrotophos respectively as insecticides in both Maize and Soybean. 81% of the sampled farmers used empty containers for either storing drinking water or salt while only 15% wore protective clothing when applying pesticides. Pesticide mishandling occurred regardless of the amount of experience a farmer had using pesticides. 68% of the sampled farmers had never received any formal basic training in pestic ide use, hence a clear knowledge gap. The fact that receipt of basic training was the main predictor of a farmers’ level of knowledge on pesticide use, a farmer who had received basic training in appropriate chemical pesticides use, as opposed to one who had not, had a better chance of using chemical pesticides safely and in the right quantities.

Partners
Other Partners

ZARI

Keywords
Pesticides, Agriculture, Knowledge, Practices, Farmers.
Contact name (for further information)
Mutinta.J. Malambo
Contact email (for further information)
Contact institution (for further information)
International journal of Horticulture, Agriculture and Food science(IJHAF)
Citation

Malambo, M.J,  Mukanga, M.,  Nyirenda, J., Kabamba, B., & Salati, K.R,. (2010). Knowledge and Practice of Pesticides use among Small Holder farmers in Zambia. International journal of Horticulture, Agriculture and Food science(IJHAF). pp184-190. Available at:https://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijhaf.3.4.5 [05/09/2019] 

CCARDESA Category

Funding Partners

4.61M

Beneficiaries Reached

97000

Farmers Trained

3720

Number of Value Chain Actors Accessing CSA

41300

Lead Farmers Supported