In Search of Predictors of Farmers' Knowledge about Proper Usage of Pesticides

Abstract

Improper usage of pesticides for pest control has increased environmental and health hazards. This study was conducted to assess farmers’ level of knowledge about proper usage of pesticides and their assistant sources of information. Results of the study revealed that farmer’s average level of knowledge (41%) was very low. Farmers’ highest perceived source of information was recorded to be landlords, followed by pesticide dealers, agriculture extension, neighboring farmers, representatives of pesticide companies, agricultural programs on radio, agricultural literature, and agricultural programs on TV. Using ANOVA, the perceived average scores for the above sources of information were recoded to be significantly different from each other (p<0.01). Estimates of the multiple linear regression model revealed that farmers’ level of knowledge was significantly influenced by educational level, perceived scores for pesticide dealers, and cotton area. Since proposed ANOVA and regression models withstood the assumptions using log transformed and original data respectively, inferences drawn from the study were considered to be valid on sophisticated statistical footings.