Pesticide Use among Women Working in Horticultural Farms in Tanzania

Abstract

Objectives This study aimed to describe knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to pesticide use among women, and to study the association between these variables, education and work experience in large horticultural farms in rural areas of northern Tanzania.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 171 women farmers, using a validated KAP model questionnaire, including socio-demographic information and farm practices.Results Pesticide knowledge among 133 (77.8%) women farmers was poor. Of the participants, 68% showed concern about pesticide use and adverse effects on human health, and 49.7% reported poor to moderate practices. Farmers with higher education had better knowledge and practice scores. There was a positive partial correlation between knowledge scores and years of work experience (r = 0.202, p = .023) and a positive partial correlation between practice and attitude scores (r = 0.213, p = .005), when controlling for age.Conclusion While knowledge levels about pesticides were low among women farm workers, attitudes and practices related to pesticide use were higher. More studies are needed to determine the level of training needed among these workers. This information can aid employers and local government officials in work for reducing pesticide intoxication among women working in horticultural farms, through education, motivation, and support.