Pesticide sprayers' knowledge, attitude and practice of pesticide use on agricultural farms of Ethiopia.

Pesticide sprayers from five state-owned agricultural farms took part in a study that evaluated their knowledge, attitude and practice of pesticide use on farms. Demographic features of the sprayers showed that the majority of them had primary-level education. The duration of work as sprayers on the farms ranged from 1 month to approximately 10 years, with 59% of them having worked as sprayers for <5 years. Their knowledge about hazards from pesticides was indicated by the responses they gave to the standard questionnaire. Careful working was considered to be very important by 93% of them, while only 7% suggested the use of personal protective devices (PPD). On some of the farms, sprayers were provided with inappropriate/unfit and worn-out PPD; 18% of the sprayers had unfit goggles and 29% used worn-out gloves. To minimize risk from pesticide application, 63% suggested avoiding applications during windy and sunny weather, 32% suggested the provision and proper use of PPD, while only 3% of them felt medical check-ups and training were important, and 2% suggested risks from spraying were best controlled by leaving their job. The hygiene and sanitation practices of the sprayers require much improvement. An attitudinal change is needed, together with the provision of better facilities and infrastructure. We recommend that pesticide safety education be given to the sprayers. In addition, appropriate PPD should be used, with regular maintenance and timely replacement of worn-out parts.