Knowledge and practices of fish farmers and fishermen on environmental contaminants in aquatic ecosystem in selected districts of Malawi: Potential implication on fish and human health

Abstract

Background Environmental contaminants pose significant threats to aquatic ecosystems and human health. While most studies have focused on the occurrence, levels and risk assessments of the environmental contaminants within aquatic ecosystems, there is limited and poorly documented information regarding fish farmers’ and fishermen’s knowledge and practices that may contribute to aquatic contamination. To address this gap, the present study investigated the knowledge and practices of fish farmers and fishermen concerning environmental contaminants, with particular emphasis on their sources and potential implication in fish and human health. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 171 fish farmers and fishermen across 6 districts in Malawi: Chikwawa, Karonga, Machinga, Mangochi, Mchinji and Zomba, covering all 3 regions of the country. A semi-structured questionnaire and personal observation were used to collect data and statistical software STATA was used for data analysis. Results The study revealed that the majority of both the fish farmers and fishermen had only attained primary education (81.8%) and (86.1%), respectively with mean knowledge scores of (55.3%) for fish farmers and (40.3%) for fishermen on environmental contaminants. The findings also revealed a mean practice score of (31.7%) for fish farmers with extensive use of pesticides in crops that were near water bodies and the use of animal manure for pond fertilization. About (44.4%) of fishermen had insufficient knowledge on the risks of the environmental contaminants in fish. Conclusion The findings highlight the need for behavior change awareness campaigns and extension services focusing on the sources and potential health risks of the environmental contaminants in fish and humans. This study provides background information for further research on the sources and occurrence of environmental contaminants in aquatic ecosystem.