Assessment of farmers’ knowledge, attitude, and practices towards pesticide use in Gauradaha Municipality, Jhapa, Nepal

Abstract

Pesticides play an important role in Nepalese agricultural production by influencing both the quality and quantity of output. However, inappropriate and excessive use can pose serious environmental and human health risks. In Nepal, farmers are exposed to these chemicals directly or indirectly, often unaware of the associated environmental and health concerns. The study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding pesticide use among farmers. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 farmers in the Gauradaha municipality of Jhapa district, Nepal. Self-constructed, mixed-structured questionnaires and in-person interviews were used to collect data, which were then analyzed using SPSS. The majority of respondents (86.1%) learned about pesticides from Agrovet, and 75.6% viewed pesticides as poison. Understanding of pesticide labels and toxicity concepts was limited, with 68.3% never reading the instructions before applying. 58.9% had inadequate knowledge of pesticides, yet 51.7% maintained a favorable attitude toward their use. 56.1% used unsafe pesticide-handling practices. The variation in knowledge by practice was statistically significant (p-value = 0.001, which is < 0.05). Hence, we found significant gaps in knowledge regarding pesticide use. Lack of awareness led to poor pesticide practices, and respondents with better knowledge tended to have more favorable attitudes toward safe pesticide use. Level of education plays an important role in improving knowledge, favorable attitudes, and promoting safe practices of pesticide use among farmers. These findings emphasize the need to provide education and training to farmers for the safety of both farmers and the environment.