Understanding farmers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices of pesticide use in Nepal: synthesis of a systematic literature review

Abstract

Literature suggests a deeper understanding of farmers’ knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of pesticide use in agriculture, especially in developing countries, to identify interventions to reduce pesticide use in agriculture. In this paper, we thus performed a systematic review of literature on KAP of farmers on chemical pesticide use in Nepal through a systematic literature search on Scopus web repository published between 2000 and 2021. We got 114 publications initially, and with a well-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, we finally reviewed 29 articles for data extraction. The results indicate (i) an inadequate KAP of farmers on pesticide use. For example, three in four farmers were found to wash their clothes after pesticide spray. One in four farmers wore boots and only one in ten farmers wore glasses during pesticide spray. Approximately 54% of farmers take a shower after pesticide spray and just one in four farmers bury empty pesticide containers in the soil. Prior studies identified that the lack of awareness and training on the handling practices is the major cause of pesticide misuse; and through formal education and introducing integrated pest management strategies for controlling pests could reduce pesticide misuse. Another notable finding is the lack of KAP theoretical understanding in the prior publications. Many studies in Nepal studied much less on ‘attitude” but much higher on “practice” of pesticide usage. We thus propose a new KAP study framework for future research to understand ground-level behavioral change and improve the effectiveness of the KAP-related programs and interventions.

Cocoa Farmers and Agrochemical Safety Compliance:

“…This is crucial for minimising health risks associated with chemical exposure. In contrast to the results presented by Atreya et al (2022), which indicated that the utilisation of gloves and goggles is not frequently observed among farmers, our findings reveal a different pattern. The mean for "I carefully read and understand the instructions, warnings, and safety precautions provided on agrochemical labels" (mean = 3.88, SD = 0.73) suggests that farmers agree with carefully reading and understanding the instructions, warnings, and safety precautions provided on agrochemical labels.…”

Acute health symptoms related to perception and practice of pesticides use among farmers from all regions of Thailand

“…Our findings found that farmers with higher perceptive scores had a lower prevalence of all symptoms, and farmers with higher practice scores had a lower prevalence of skin symptoms. Previous studies revealed that lack of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of pesticide use is a major cause of pesticide misuse and poisoning symptom related to pesticide exposure ( 13 , 52 , 53 ). Additionally, our findings show that the least farmers’practices regarding safe pesticide were as follows: wear rubber apron while applying pesticides; do not keep remaining pesticides that have been mixed for use later; do not mix pesticides in a cocktail; choose less toxic pesticides for killing pests; and wear goggles while applying pesticides.…”

“…Although the pictograms and color codes on pesticide label are intended to be readily understood by farmers with varying languages and literacy levels, previous studies conducted in several countries showed a varied understanding of the massage on pesticide labels ( 55 , 56 ). Lack of training is also a major cause of pesticide misuse ( 53 ). Therefore, continuous training regarding safe pesticide use by using practical methods is urgently need.…”

“…Training program for understanding and interpreting pictograms and color codes on pesticide labels are necessary ( 55 , 56 ). Importantly, government plays a vital role in introducing and educating farmers on alternative pest management, such as integrated pest management (IPM) and organic farming approaches for controlling pests and minimizing risks to humans and the environment ( 53 , 58 , 59 ). Promotion of supportive production inputs, information, technology, markets, and certification system for alternative pest management should be implemented by the government ( 58 , 59 ).…”