KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, PRACTICES OF FARMERS EXPOSED TO PESTICIDES AT BANIKOARA TOWNSHIP (REPUBLIC OF BENIN)

The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of the farmers related to the pesticides use in a zone of strong use in Benin. Method: It was a descriptive and cross sectional study which focuses on adult and teenagers of both gender living in Banikoara district. By a random sampling 384 farmers were selected. The data collected have been processed and analyzed using Excel 2007 and Epi-Info Version 3.5.1. The results of the quantitative variables are presented as mean ± SD and categorical variables such as percentage. Categorical variables are compared using chi-square tests. Results: The average age was 36.5 ± 10.6 years old. 52.1% of respondents reported that they were able to recognize their packaging without pesticides, 53.4% from their forms and 65.2% by labeled and know their meaning. Approximately 75% of the respondents reported having been trained on more than one occasion pesticides. Nevertheless, only 13.2% of respondents were storing pesticides in stores dedicated solely to pesticides. None of the respondents do not use protective mask. Literacy and membership in farmers' organization have an impact on the recognition of the labeled pesticides, knowledge of the importance of labeling, knowledge of the meaning of the symbols, storage in a single pesticide store. But they are not for storage in the bedroom. Conclusion: Management of toxic risk relating to pesticides handling in our study area is dependent on human factors: in terms of risk awareness and good storage practices and handling.