Use of Cultural Practices, Economic Impact of Insecticide Use, and Awareness and Practice of Insecticide Safety Precaution on Okra Production

ABSTRACT

This study was undertaken to determine the effects of cultural practices (cropping pattern and use of insecticides) on okra production (yield), the economics of insecticide use and the users' awareness and practice levels of insecticide safety precautions. The sampled populations were users and non-users of insecticides. Data were collected on cultural practices, okra field size, number of farms, yield and prices of okra production inputs, prices and types of insecticides, and awareness and practice of safety precautions. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, partial budgetary and regression techniques, and residual and sensitivity analyses. Results indicated that cropping pattern and use of insecticides have significant effects on yield. Partial budgetary and regression analyses showed that insecticides use on okra farms was economically superior to non-use providing an additional Net Benefit of 8,560 per ha ( = Naira, Nigerian currency, exchange rate $1US = 130). Marginal analysis indicated a marginal rate of return of 3.14. Sensitivity analysis revealed that prices of insecticides will have to increase by more than 145.5%, and/or yield and the price of okra has to fall by more than 51.7% for insecticide use to be less favored only on economic grounds. The insecticides used by okra farmers were hazardous, and high proportions of the local farmers were not aware of, and did not practice safety precautions. In order to realize the full economic benefit of insecticide use without its adverse effects, efforts should be directed at creating awareness and encouraging the use of insecticide handling and application safety precautions.

KEYWORDS:

• Okra
• cultural practice
• insecticide
• net benefit
• hazard
• awareness
• practice