Economic analysis of farm hazards associated with the use of agrochemicals on agricultural farms

This paper assessed the economic implications of farm hazards associated with the use of agrochemicals on some farms in four locations namely; Digil, Gella, Lokuwa and Shuware in Mubi environment between May and December, 2008. Relevant data on socio-economic background of the farmers and the agrochemical farm hazards were sampled using structured questionnaire (80 copies) administered among the target farmers. 72 copies were filled, returned and analyzed for this study. The test-re-test method of data validation was employed. Data collected was also compared using descriptive statistics. The result indicated that the sampled farmers were predominantly middle aged (40-50 years) with farming experiences of mostly 20 years. Of the three principal farm hazards management types (weeds, insects and soil fertility) assessed, insecticides application was accounted as the highest (70%) source of farm hazard, especially in Gella. Simple cost analysis of farmersʹ health hazard, crop damage and animal health hazard recorded an estimated loss of $1,007.75; $32,333.46 and $7,310.09 respectively. This high loss was notably attributed to poor skills of the farmers. It is therefore recommended that, awareness campaigns and mass trainings on the use, handling and application of agrochemicals should be encouraged in order to achieve effective and safe use of agrochemicals in the study area.