Widespread Use of Banned Pesticides and Weak Regulatory Enforcement: Environmental and Health Implications Among Farmers in Gombe State, Nigeria

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective The misuse of pesticides in agriculture poses serious environmental and public health risks. This study assessed patterns of pesticide use and self-reported health symptoms among farmers in Gombe State, Nigeria. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire among 146 farmers in the Yamaltu-Deba local government area. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, pesticide types used, handling practices, self-reported health symptoms following pesticide application, and perceptions of environmental impacts were collected. Results Among the pesticides reported by farmers, organophosphates (36%), organochlorines (34%), pyrethroids (22.7%), and carbamates (7.5%) were commonly used. The most frequently self-reported symptoms after pesticide application were headaches (55.2%), dizziness (54.3%), itchy eyes (49.5%), stomachache (43.5%), and respiratory symptoms (41.6%). Most farmers (78.2%) were unaware that pesticide use could affect biodiversity. Only 22% of the respondents reported reading and following the instructions on the pesticide label, whereas 64% had never received training on safe pesticide handling. Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships between gender and both health effects (r = 0.452, p < .05) and handling procedures (r = 0.452, p < .05), indicating that male farmers reported more symptoms and riskier practices. Years of experience showed a significant negative correlation with health effects (r = -0.633, p < .01), suggesting that formal training remains critically inadequate, although experience may lead to adaptive behaviors. Conclusions The findings reveal gaps in farmers’ knowledge of pesticide risks, limited adherence to safety practices, and a high prevalence of self-reported symptoms consistent with pesticide exposure. The findings underscore the urgent need for stricter regulatory enforcement, targeted farmer education programs that overcome language and literacy barriers, and the promotion of safer pest management alternatives to mitigate escalating environmental and public health risks in Nigeria.