KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES (KAPS) OF WORKERS IN VEGETABLE GREENHOUSE TOWARD PESTICIDES IN BAHRI LOCALITY. KHARTOUM STATE, 2015. SUDAN

Ekram A. Eldoom*, Ali Mohieldin, Adam A. Mater and Manofal Abdalla M. Adam

ABSTRACT

This is a descriptive cross sectional study carried out among workers of vegetable greenhouses in Khartoum state of Sudan (Bahri locality). The use of pesticides poses serious public health hazards to both farmers and consumers of vegetables, in addition to the serious environmental damage it In this study, the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding to pesticide usage and the levels of exposure of vegetable to pesticides were evaluated. A questionnaires were completed by 100 farm workers aged ≥15 years. The study showed that (61%) of responders hasn’t any training on how to use and handle pesticides this lead to the harmful effect of pesticides. Just (49%) of responders were know the pesticide residue may be found in vegetables and fruits. Previous studies showed that farm workers in the Khartoum state (Bahri locality) used pesticides extensively. Despite their knowledge about the adverse health impact of the pesticides, the use of protective measures was poor. It would be useful to minimize the use of pesticides and encourage alternative pest control measures. Prevention and intervention programmes regarding the use of protective measures and monitoring the KAP of farm workers should be implemented. KAP study; pesticide; greenhouse; vegetable; Khartoum.

Keywords: KAP study; pesticide; greenhouse; vegetable; Khartoum.