ASSESSMENT OF THE USE OF AGRO-CHEMICALS BY SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN THE NADOWLI-KALEO DISTRICT

Abstract

Agriculture serves as a valuable source of income, contributing to poverty reduction. The study set out to assess the use of agro-chemicals by smallholder farmers in the Nadowli-Kaleo District in the Upper West Region of Ghana. The study utilized the Expected Utility Theory (EUT), Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Rational Choice theory (RCT). The study adopted mixed method design. Primary data were collected through questionnaire, interview guide, Focus Group Discussions and Observation guide. In all a total of 187 participants from 3 communities and 4 officials were interviewed. Data collected were processed and analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (Descriptive Statistics and Cross tabs). The findings of the study present, the type of chemicals used has a direct linkage with the type of crops cultivated by farmers. Farmers in the District only use fertilizers, pesticides and weedicides on large scales which is attributed to the type of crops farmers cultivate in the District. Additionally, the findings show that respondents use agro chemicals because it improves crop yield. Farm size was a major reason why farmers used agro-chemicals. However, high costs of labour, duration of raining season, non-availability of household labour were some of the reasons most farmers do not utilize agro-chemical. It was observed that some of the high crop yield was found to be highly perceived and observed to have impact on agro-chemical usage. Also, it was found that farmers use disposal methods such as; burning, burying, and dumping in the farm, throwing them in the bush, returning them to chemical dealers and keeping them at home. The study concluded that agro-chemical use has impacted positively on crop yield. It is however recommended that the Ministry of food and Agriculture (MOFA) should send more extension officers to the District to aid farmers. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should also regulate agro-chemicals sellers.