Assessing farmers’ knowledge of effects of agrochemical use on human health and the environment: a case study of Akuapem South Municipality, Ghana

This survey was conducted to assess farmers’ knowledge on the effects of agrochemical use on human health and the environment. The study was conducted within the Akuapem South Municipality of the Eastern Region of Ghana from June to August, 2011. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to 100 randomly selected small-scale crop farm holders from Oboadaka, Pokrom, Nsaakyi, Pepawani, and Pakro. Socio-economic, health and environmental characteristics were included in the semi-structured questionnaire. Though most farmers were aware of alternative methods to agrochemical use, the study revealed that majority of the farmers who applied agrochemicals on their farms failed to read chemical labels, did not purchase the agrochemicals from licensed vendors, use recommended quantity; farmers were not members of farmer associations’; unaware of IPM; and had low knowledge of effects of agrochemicals on human health and environment. It is suggested that education on modern trends of health and environmentally friendly agricultural methods should be encouraged. Farmers should be sensitised on the importance of farmers’ associations.