




































 
 

 

18 
© 2020 by the authors; licensee Asian Online Journal Publishing Group 
 

Asian Review of Environmental and Earth Sciences 
Vol. 7, No. 1, 18-25, 2020 

ISSN(E) 2313-8173/ ISSN(P) 2518-0134 
DOI: 10.20448/journal.506.2020.71.18.25 

© 2020 by the authors; licensee Asian Online Journal Publishing Group 

   
 

 
 
 
Pesticides and Fertilizers Use in Parts of Rivers Niger and Kaduna Catchments, 
North Central, Nigeria  

 
IDRIS, Aliyu Ja’agi1   

Yahaya, T. I.2   

Abubakar, A. S.3    

Jigam, A. A.4   

  
( Corresponding Author) 

 
1,2,3Department of Geography, Federal University of Technology Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. 

 
4Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. 

 

 
Abstract 

Pesticides and fertilizers use in parts of Rivers Niger and Kaduna catchments, north central, 
Nigeria was investigated. Contamination of the rivers and their resources due to unsustainable use 
of pesticides and fertilizers by local farmers are a major problem in the study area. Also, data from 
the study of pesticides and fertilizer use remain scanty and therefore needed. The objective is to 
find the opportunity for all stakeholders to improve on the overall environmental performance. 
Extensive field survey was conducted using various participatory appraisals techniques involving 
key stakeholders in the area. Collated data were analysed using descriptive statistical methods 
(frequency percentage). The results of findings identify unsustainable use of fertilizers and 
pesticides by farmers in the study area. It further shows respondents in the study area applied 
high rate of fertilizers and pesticides during farming activities which obviously improved crop 
yield but in turn lead to water quality degradation. Virtually, majority of the farmers have little or 
no measures towards ensuring protection of water and biota from the potential danger of 
pesticides and fertilizers use in the study area. These attitudes discovered could lead to water 
quality degradation, biodiversity disruption and subsequent negative impact on economic 
development in the study area. In view of the above, it is recommended that visible and effective 
environmental management policies in respect of agrochemicals use in the study area be put in 
place to guarantee cleaner and healthier environment for all. 

 

Keywords: Fertilizers, Pesticides, Catchments, Rivers, Sediments, Water quality, Health, Environment. 

 
Citation | IDRIS, Aliyu Ja’agi; Yahaya, T. I.; Abubakar, A. S.; 
Jigam, A. A. (2019). Pesticides and Fertilizers Use in Parts of Rivers 
Niger and Kaduna Catchments, North Central, Nigeria. Asian 
Review of Environmental and Earth Sciences, 7(1): 18-25. 
History:  
Received: 28 October 2019 
Revised: 2 December 2019 
Accepted: 7 January 2020 
Published: 13 February 2020 
Licensed: This work is licensed under a Creative Commons 

Attribution 3.0 License  
Publisher:  Asian Online Journal Publishing Group 
 

Acknowledgement: All authors contributed to the conception and design of 
the study. 
Funding: This study received no specific financial support. 
Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of 
interests. 
Transparency: The authors confirm that the manuscript is an honest, 
accurate, and transparent account of the study was reported; that no vital 
features of the study have been omitted; and that any discrepancies from the 
study as planned have been explained. 
Ethical: This study follows all ethical practices during writing.   

 

 

Contents 
1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 19 
2. The Study Area ................................................................................................................................................................................. 19 
3. Materials and Methods ................................................................................................................................................................... 20 
4. Results and Discussion ................................................................................................................................................................... 20 
5. Conclusion and Recommendations ............................................................................................................................................... 24 
References .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 24 
 

 
 

 

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https://www.asianonlinejournals.com/index.php/AREES/article/view/1316
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7275-6523
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0439-9130
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3590-5075
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6887-7456
https://www.asianonlinejournals.com/index.php/AREES/article/view/1316
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7275-6523
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0439-9130
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3590-5075
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6887-7456
https://www.asianonlinejournals.com/index.php/AREES/article/view/1316
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7275-6523
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0439-9130
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3590-5075
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6887-7456
https://www.asianonlinejournals.com/index.php/AREES/article/view/1316
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7275-6523
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0439-9130
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3590-5075
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6887-7456
https://www.asianonlinejournals.com/index.php/AREES/article/view/1316
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7275-6523
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0439-9130
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3590-5075
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6887-7456


Asian Review of Environmental and Earth Sciences, 2020, 7(1): 18-25 

19 
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Contribution of this paper to the literature 
This study has been able to established a background information on pesticides and fertilizers 
use attributable to water quality degradation which no other known researches have ever 
considered in the study area. This research contribution will serve as a baseline for further 
empirical researches in the area of laboratory analysis of water, sediment and biota in the study 
area.  

 
1. Introduction 

Pest infestations, government subsidies, rapid population growth in addition to change in climate has resulted 
to a driving force for farmers to use more pesticides and fertilizers in agricultural activities [1]. Fertilisers and 
pesticide are intended to facilitate plant growth and protections. Although initially used to improve crop 
production. Sequel to application of these chemical compounds on farm lands to achieve the essential mission to 
care for crops, they have been reported also to compromise water quality [1]. They move into the surrounding 
water bodies, therefore having a widespread effect on the physical, chemical and biological processes within aquatic 
ecosystems [2]. 

It is established that banned pesticides are still being imported illegally in to Nigeria through porous borders 
[3]. The use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides in many parts of the world are on the increase [4]. River Niger 
catchment are arable land where people practice farming involving intense use of agrochemicals [5]. This practice 
can eventually cause degradation of water quality and disproportionate effect on the socio-economic wellbeing of 
the communities in the area. Communities’ dependant on the resources from the River for livelihood and lack of 
enough research information about the area that represent risk of fertilizers and pesticides contamination informed 
the need for this study to guaranty socioeconomic sustainability. Finding of this study is targeted at providing 
opportunity for relevant government authorities and all stakeholders in this sector to improve on overall 
environmental performance. 
 

2. The Study Area 
The study area for the investigation is communities in parts of Rivers Niger and Kaduna Catchment areas, 

Niger State which lies between Longitude 3˚30'N and 7˚20'E and Latitude 8˚22'N and 11˚30'N; located at the 
Guinea Savanah vegetation zone in the north central part of Nigeria Figure 1. Rivers Niger and Kaduna 
catchments are arable land where people practice agricultural activities close to the Rivers [6]; [5]. The study area 
was divided into zones according to agroecological factors. Along River Niger, the Upper zone is from Rabba 
village in Mokwa Local Government Area (LGA), Middle zone is at Muregi and the Lower zone is after Muregi in 
Mokwa LGA down to Baro village in Agaie LGA. Study area along River Kaduna was divided into two zones. 
Upper zone is from Wuya village in Lavun LGA and the Lower zone from half way down to Muregi. The major 
economic activities of the communities living around the area are agriculture and fishing. These are the leading 
sector in terms of employment, income earning and overall contribution to the socio-economic wellbeing of the 
people. The Kaduna and Niger River flood plains are many kilometers wide at the downstream of Nupe basement 
boundary, two major streams Yanko ikko, Dumi, Ebigi. All these empty their waters in to Niger River [6]. 
 

                    Figure-1. Map of the study area showing parts of Rivers Niger and Kaduna Catchment, North Central, Nigeria. 
 



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3. Materials and Methods 
(a) Primary Data. The study was achieved through a prospective cross-sectional study in the study area. It 

utilizes primary data from structured questionnaires, scheduled interview, visual observations and ground 
photograph as described by Banerjee, et al. [7].  

(b) Secondary Data. Secondary data were obtained from study area map, demographic data (population) and 
relevant literature materials to identify gaps and missing links in the existing body of knowledge. Furthermore, 
information were sourced from standardized National and International documents relevant to agrochemical 
regulations and enforcement i.e. National Gazetted Regulations from National Environmental Standards and 
Regulations Enforcement Agency, (NESREA), regulatory documents from National Agency for Food and Drug 
Administration and Control (NAFDAC), National Policy on Environment, and other relevant documents. 

(c) Data Sampling. The number of farmers included in the study (participants) was determined using Yamani's 
formula. This formula is concerned with applying a normal approximation with a confidence level of 95% and a 
limit of tolerance level (error level) of 5%. 
To this extent the sample size was determined by n =    N                                                                          1.0 
                                                                                        1+Ne2 
Where: n = the sample size. 
N = population.  
e = the limit of tolerance (0.05) 
Therefore, n = 30,229            =      30,229               =  30,229    = 30,229        
               1 + 30,229(0.05)2         1 + 30,229(0.0025)  1 + 75.5       76.5 
n = 390 respondent. 

The study respondents were 395 and simple random sampling was used to distribute the questionnaires among 
the respondents who are mainly farmers in the study area. Three hundred and ninety-five questionnaires were 
distributed and 350 were returned. Questionnaires were administered following proper institutional and field 
validations. 

Interviews schedules were directed to Key Informants which include experienced district officers, extension 
agents and agrochemical vendors in the study area.  The respondents were approached by the study team. The 
objective of the study was explained to them following which consent were obtained from them. The questions 
include: sizes of farms, type of farming, types of crops grown, when are the planting seasons, pest and other 
problems, types and quantities of farm chemicals used on farms, consideration for label instructions, farmer’s 
knowledge and attitude towards agro-chemicals, where the farmers procure the agro-chemicals from, disposal of 
used cans, washing of applications tools and measures taken to conserve the River and use of the River water. This 
provides the opportunity for capturing the required information to achieve this objective. 

(d) Statistical Analysis. Data obtained from administered questionnaire and interview schedules of farmers and 
key stakeholders in the area was analysed for pesticide and fertilizers use using descriptive statistical methods 
(frequency percentage) and then presented in tables and figures for clarity. 
 

4. Results and Discussion 
4.1. Farming Analysis 

As indicated in Table 1, the hectare of land used by the respondents in the study area ranges from 2 to 15. 
Upper zones ranked the highest in number of hectares of land used for farming with 142 respondents, lower zones 
ranked second with 122 respondents and middle zone ranked the least with 86 respondents. In 2 to 5 hectares’ 
ranges, upper zones ranked the highest with 69 respondents and middle zone ranked the least with 21 respondents. 
In 6 to 10 ranges, lower zones ranked the highest with 47 respondents and middle zone ranked the least with 20 
respondents. In 11 to 15 ranges, middle zone ranked the highest with 45 respondents and lower zones ranked the 
least with 30 respondents.  
 

Table-1. Number of hectare of  land used by the respondents in parts of Rivers Niger and Kaduna Catchment, North Central, 

Nigeria. 

Options Upper zones Middle zone Lower zones 

2 – 5 69 19.7% 21 6.0% 45 12.9% 
6 – 10 31 8.8% 20 5.7% 47 13.4% 

11 – 15 42 12% 45 12.9% 30 8.6% 
Total 142 40.5% 86 24.6% 122 34.9% 

 
The findings imply that majority of the respondents in all the zones were subsistence farmers since they used 

between 2 – 10 hectares of land in the study area. Rice, maize, beans, groundnut, millet and melon are the mostly 
crops grown across the zones in the area. Most of the farm lands have been in use for over 30 years. The farmers in 
the area also practiced crop rotation involving maize, beans, sorghum, melon and pepper. Interview findings from 
experienced district officers, extension agents and agrochemical vendors corroborated all the submissions by the 
farmers in the study area. Similar farming system have been reported around riverine areas in developing countries 
like Kenya indicating majority of communities practicing subsistence farming [8]. 
 

4.2. Planting Season 
As indicated in Table 2, majority of the respondents affirmed that they plant most of their crops rainy seasons. 

Rainy season ranked the highest with 274 respondents and dry season ranked the least with 76 respondents across 
the zones. The number of farmer involved in rainy season farming at the upper, middle and lower zones constitutes 
30.5%, 18.6% and 29.1% respectively. Those involved in dry season farming at upper, middle and lower zones 
constitutes 46%, 6% and 11.2% respectively.  
 
 



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Table-2. Planting Season in Parts of Rivers Niger and Kaduna Catchment, North Central, Nigeria. 

Options Upper zone Middle zone Lower zone 

Rainy season 107 30.5% 65 18.6% 102 29.1% 
Dry season 16 4.6% 21 6% 39 11.2% 

Total 123 35.1% 86 24.6% 141 40.3% 

 
This implies that majority of the respondents’ plant most of their crops during the rainy season and those that 

farm during the dry season farms vegetables, rice and sugarcane. The farmers were asked as to why they prefer 
rainy season farming and the response was due to abundant rain and availability of farming accessories at lower 
cost. Those that adopt farming in both season gave the reasons that there are less pest infestations during dry 
season except bird attack which can easily be contained. The study also identified a number of farmers do plant 
some of their crop three times during rainy and dry seasons in a year. This crops include maize, rice sugarcane and 
vegetables. Findings in this study also revealed almost all the farmers complained about the problems of pest 
infestations, weeds and late and early stoppage of rain. They further submitted that dependant on agrochemical has 
been the viable method adopted by them to minimize the effects of the challenges. Interview findings also revealed 
that most farmers in the study area plant their crops in the rainy season do to abundant moisture. They also 
acknowledged farming activities in both season and presence of pest infestations during all seasons in the area.  
The planting season and cropping pattern identified in this study is in in line with the pattern in practice in 
northern Nigeria [9]. 
 

4.3. Use of Fertilizer and Pesticides in Farming 
As indicated in Table 3, there were high use of pesticide and fertilizer in farming activities of the respondents 

in the study area. Lower zones ranked the highest with use of pesticides and fertilizer (39.4%); upper zones ranked 
second with 33.5% and middle zone ranked the least with 24.5%. Out of 100% of the respondents, 2.7% disaffirmed 
the use of pesticides and fertilizers in their farms due to inadequate financial support to farming and inadequate 
legit borrowing facilities in the study area. This implied that majority of respondents used fertilizer and pesticide 
for farming activities in the study. 
 

Table-3. Use of Fertilizer and Pesticide in Parts of Rivers Niger and Kaduna Catchment, North Central, Nigeria. 

Options Upper zone Middle zone Lower zone 

Yes 117 33.5% 85 24.3% 139 39.7% 
No 06 1.8% 01 0.3% 02 0.6% 

Total 123 35.1% 86 24.6% 141 40.3% 

 
Revelations from field interview shows that majority of the farmers across the zones have dropped the idea of 

traditional ways of crop improvements and presently adopted the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticide. They 
gave the reasons that government subsidies, interventions and gifts from politicians have made it easier to acquire 
agrochemical. Other reasons are scarcity in getting animal manure as the people in the area are not much involved 
in animal farming and faster results due to usage of synthetic fertilizers. The finding also revealed that pest 
infestations have been the reasons for pesticides use for farming in the study area. Stakeholders’ interview shows 
intense use of agrochemical by all farmers in the study area. Stakeholders’ views for agrochemical use also 
corroborated revelations by the farmers in the study area. Similar indicators in this finding have been reported 
among smallholder farmers in developing countries [10]. 
 

4.4. Characteristics of the Fertilizers and Pesticides Used in the Study Area 
Table 4, describe the types of fertilizers been used across the zones in the study area for over 15 years. 

Fertilizers identified been used in the study area include: Nitrogen, phosphorus and Potassium 17:17:17, Nitrogen, 
phosphorus and potassium 23:23:0, Diaminomethanal and Calcium ammonium nitrate. The findings revealed 
majority of the farmers use nitrogen and phosphate based fertilizers for cropping and dressing in the area.  These 
identified compounds of fertilizers have been designated to present potential health hazards [11]. 
 

Table-4. List of Fertilizers Current Use in Parts of Rivers Niger and Kaduna Catchment, North Central, Nigeria. 
Fertilizer Trade name Use 

Nitrogen, phosphorus and Potassium 17:17:17 NPK 17:17:17 Growing 
Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium 23:23:0 NPK 23:23:0 Growing 
Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium 20:20:0 NPK 20:20:0 Growing 

Diaminomethanal (46%)  UREA Dressing 

 
Field interview from experienced district officers, extension agents and agrochemical vendors in the study area 

affirm the use of all agrochemical revealed to be in use by the farmers in the study area. Further, pesticides 
identified in use currently in the study area include organophosphorus, synthetic auxins, thiadiazines, 
organochlorine, synthetic pyrethroids, triazoles flumiclorac pentyl-lactofen, triazine-amide, pyrazoles and 
organophosphorus-pyrethroids. As indicated in Figure 2 percentage of pesticides compounds currently in use by 
farmers across the zones in the study area shows organophosphorus constitute 8.69%, synthetic auxins constitute 
4.35%, thiadiazines constitute 4.35%, organochlorine pesticides constitute 34.78% indicating the highest compound 
of pesticides in use in the study area, synthetic pyrethroids constitute 8.69%, triazoles constitutes 4.35%, 4.35% are 
flumiclorac pentyl-lactofen, 13.04% are fungicides, 8.69% are triazine-amide, 4.35% pyrazoles and 4.35% are 
organophosphorus-pyrethroids. 
 



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Figure-2. Percentage of pesticide compounds currently use in parts of Rivers Niger and Kaduna Catchment, North Central, Nigeria. 

 
 

 
Figure-3. Open market vendor of pesticides in parts of Rivers Niger and Kaduna Catchment, North Central, Nigeria. 

 
Revelations by farmers, experienced district officers, extension agents and agrochemical vendors in the study 

area, all these pesticides are currently in used to control weed, pests and diseases. Among them are pesticides 
banned in Nigeria such as organochlorine insecticide DDT and its metabolites DDD and DDE. A good number of 
synthetic chemical pesticides revealed being use in the study area are restricted for use and export in the European 
Union EU. These include: abamectin, chlordane, dieldrin, endosulfan and aldrin. Similar studies in developing 
countries reveals heavy use of pesticides in farming with much use of organochlorine pesticides as revealed in a 
number of previous studies [12];[13];[14]. 
 

4.5. Fertilizer Application per Hectare 
As indicated in Table 5, fertilizer application per hectare ranges from 50kg to 170kg across the zones in the 

study area. 121 – 170kg fertilizer application ranked the highest in lower zones and 101 – 120kg ranked the least in 
middle zone. This implies that the respondents in the study area applied high rate of fertilizer during farming 
activities and it improved crop yield but in turn lead to water quality degradation. 
 
 
 
 



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Table-5. Fertilizer application per Hectare in Parts of Rivers Niger and Kaduna Catchment, North Central, Nigeria. 

Options Upper zone Middle zone Lower zone 

50 – 100kg 47 13.4% 21 6.0% 41 11.7% 
101 – 120kg 45 12.9% 20 5.7% 31 8.8% 

121 – 170kg 31 8.9% 45 12.9% 69 19.7% 
Total 123 35.2% 86 24.6% 141 40.2% 

 
Field interview also revealed that all the farmers applied fertilizers to their crops manually by direct application 

to crops or hand spray. Fertilizers were mostly applied during land preparation and crops growing. The farmers 
mostly get their fertilizers from agrochemical vendors, government subsidies, intervention and gifts from 
politicians.  

Farmers’ interview in the area revealed not having been trained on agrochemical use but usually receive some 
guides from the local vendors. Most of the farmers in the study area revealed using fertilizers for the past fifteen 
(15) years.  Finding during interviews and field observations show that most of the farmers do not care about 
sustainable use of fertilizers in their farming as it was evident that more quantities of fertilizers were been used 
above recommended rate.  

The implication of this findings could have serious negative effect on environment, health risk and subsequent 
impacts on economic development in the study area. Similar situation of excessive and unsuitable use of fertilizers 
have been reported in most developing countries including Nigeria [15];[16]. 

 

4.6 Pesticide Application per Hectare 
As indicated in Table 6, pesticide application per hectare ranges from 5 to 10litres in the study area. 10 litres 

and above of pesticide application ranked the highest in lower zones with 69 respondents and 5 – 7 litres ranked 
the least in middle zone with 19 respondents. This implies that the respondents in the study area applied high rate 
of pesticide during farming activities and it improved crop yield but in turn lead to water quality degradation. 
 

Table-6. Pesticide application per hectare in Parts of Rivers Niger and Kaduna Catchment, North Central, Nigeria. 

Options Upper zone Middle zone Lower zone 

5 – 7litres 41 11.7% 19 5.4% 41 11.7% 
8 – 9litres 45 12.9% 20 5.7% 31 8.8% 

10litres and above 37 10.6% 47 13.4% 69 19.7% 
Total 123 35.2% 86 24.6% 141 40.2% 

 
The farmers in the area revealed getting the pesticides used in farming from local vendors, government 

intervention and gifts from politicians. These pesticides are applied by all the farmers across the zones using 
knapsack sprayer.  

There was no consideration of wind direction, timing considerations and proximity to vulnerable areas by 
farmers during application. The findings also discovered that the farmers do not abide by the inscribed instructions 
or directives on the agrochemical containers and uses their own discretion for measurement and mixing, by so 
doing, higher rate of pesticides is being applied on the farmlands beyond recommended rates.  

Most of the farmers revealed using pesticides on their farming since past ten years but much in last four to five 
years. Finding also shows that only 35% of the respondents are aware of banned and restricted pesticides in Nigeria 
but could not tell the categories of those pesticides involved.  

The implication of these indicators will be counterproductive in achieving healthy socio-economic wellbeing of 
the inhabitants in the study area. Indicators identified in this study are similar to findings in a number of studies in 
developing countries including Nigeria [17];[18];[13]. 
 

4.7 Disposal Mechanism of the Used Containers 
 As revealed in Figure 4, empty pesticides containers/bottles were dispose into the disposal pit, throw in the 

latrine, just discard them in the farm, destroy and burn or bury and keep for re-use. Just discard them in the farm 
ranked the highest with 203 respondents, discard in the nearby bushes/roadsides ranked second with 70 
respondents, disposing into the disposal pit ranked third with 50 respondents and dispose in latrine ranked the 
least with 27 respondents. 

 This implies that majority of the respondents dispose their empty bottles of pesticides in their farms and this 
will lead to increase of plastic waste in their farms as well as environmental pollution.  

The findings from further appraisals revealed that most of the farmers in the area washed the application tools 
after spraying in the rivers, streams and pounds. Virtually all the farmers have little or no measures towards water 
conservation and protection in the study area. These attitudes discovered could lead to water quality degradation, 
biodiversity disruption and subsequent negative impact on economic development in the study area. 
 



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Figure-4. Shows disposal mechanism of empty pesticides containers/bottles in parts of Rivers Niger and Kaduna Catchment, North Central, 
Nigeria. 

 

Similar situation has been reported previously in developing countries [19]. Also leftover spray mixture was 
often emptied into streams or near a near water bodies in the study location. This finding is in line with discovery 
in a number of studies in Nigeria [20];[21]. 
 

5. Conclusion and Recommendations  
It was established that the farmers in the study area uses various compounds of synthetic pesticide and 

fertilizers in their farming activities. The types of pesticides compounds identified in used in the study area include: 
organochlorine and organophosphorus based which are known to present serious negative socio-economic effects. 
Organochlorine based pesticides identified in used in the study area constitutes highest percentage at 34.78% while 
organophosphorus based pesticides constitutes 8.69%. Nitrate, nitrite and phosphate based fertilizers were also 
identified in use in the study area. It was also established that farmers in the study area have not adopted 
environmental sustainable measures in pesticides and fertilizers use in farming activities. This conduct by farmers 
in the area can lead to contamination of water and biota. More so, potential negative effects on socio-economic 
wellbeing of communities in the study area can be expected. In view, of the aforementioned, it is recommended that 
visible and effective environmental management policies in respect of agrochemical use in the study area be put in 
place. Also, government dedication, political wills, and collective responsibility of all stakeholders toward 
agrochemical management and ensuring sustainable farming practices involving the use of pesticides and fertilizers 
in the study area to guarantee cleaner and healthier environment for all. 

 
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