PESTICIDES EMPTY CONTAINERS HANDLING BEHAVIOR OF FARMERS IN DASS, TORO AND WARJI LGAS OF BAUCHI STATE

ABSTRACT This study investigated farmers’ pesticide container handling behaviour in Bauchi Metropolis, focusing on their knowledge, attitudes, practices, and the factors influencing safe or unsafe disposal. Using a descriptive cross-sectional survey, data were collected from 408 farmers in Dass, Toro, and Warji LGAs through a validated structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression were used for analysis. Findings showed that although most farmers were aware that pesticide containers can be harmful, practical understanding of safe handling—such as label reading and triple rinsing—was limited. Unsafe practices were widespread: 86% reused containers for domestic and livestock purposes, while burning, open dumping, and burial were common disposal methods. Education, farming experience, and extension contact significantly improved safety behaviour, whereas reliance on informal information sources encouraged unsafe practices. Health symptoms and environmental damage linked to improper container use were also reported. The study concludes that unsafe handling persists due to poor practical knowledge, economic pressures, and weak institutional support. Strengthening farmer training, improving extension outreach, enforcing regulations, and establishing container collection or recycling systems are recommended to enhance public health and environmental safety.