Factors Influencing Compliance to Safety Measures in Pesticide Use among Small-scale Farmers in Miryia Subcounty, Masindi District, Uganda

Abstract

There is a global challenge mainly manifested in developing economies where compliance to safety measures in the use of pesticide especially by farmers is very low resulting in health challenges. This study therefore aimed at assessing the determinants of compliance to safety measures in the use of pesticide among local farmers in Miirya Sub County of Masindi District, Uganda. The objectives of the study were to identify the individual and institutional determinants related to compliance, then establish the level of compliance and finally determine the association between the different factors and compliance to safety measures in the use of pesticides among small scale farmers. Systematic random sampling was used to select the respondents, and a research-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, at 95% level of significance. Chi square analysis and binary logistic regression analysis were used to test for significance. The study found that the level of compliance to safe measures in the use of pesticides among farmers was low (30.2%). Findings also showed that the majority of the respondents were 40 years and above (66.7%), primary graduates (61.8%), married (84.0%), high knowledge level (94.8%), negative attitudes towards safe use of pesticides (70.8%), high risk perception (91.7%), no influence of peers (57.9%), using pesticide toxicity classes II and III (66.7%), never been trained on PPEs (53.2%), never received inspection in the past year (70.5%), and SOPs in place (81.4%).The bivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that farmer’s attitude; risk perception and standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place were significantly associated with compliance to safe measures in the use of pesticides among farmers (p < 0.05).  The most significant factors influencing compliance among the local farmers are attitude, risk perception and SOPs. Once the above are targeted there is bound to be a positive change in the adherence to safety measures. The study therefore recommends that there is need for local farmers to be made aware of the risks attached to improper use of pesticides and the reinforcement of provisions and adherence to standard operating procedures by the relevant authorities.