Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Tomato Producers and Vendors in Uganda

Background: Uganda’s horticultural sub-sector is growing at a fast rate and tomato is one of the major horticultural crops with wide spread production in peri-urban and rural areas. However tomato is susceptible to different pests and diseases and this has resulted into use of synthetic pesticides as the main control strategy. There is wide spread pesticide misuse behavior amongst tomato farmers owing to different social, economical and regulatory factors. This misuse includes among others inadequate personal protection and failure to follow the recommended pre-harvest no spray interval. This puts the health of millions of tomato farmers and consumers at risk. In Uganda, information on such misuse, consumer safety, and residues in food is limited. Objectives: This article presents findings from a survey of knowledge, attitudes and practices of tomato farmers and vendors. The article also draws conclusions from the findings and recommends areas that could help to improve or avert the foregoing. Methodology: This study was carried out in Nangabo Sub-County, Kyadondo County, Wakiso District in the Central Region of Uganda. Quantitative and qualitative data was gathered using an interviewer administered structured questionnaire and Focus Group Discussion guides, respectively from 50 tomato farmers and 6 tomato vendors in June 2013. Quantitative data analysis was done using the Epi Info statistical package software, while the qualitative data were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed on the basis of the themes/objectives of the study, namely, pesticide use and handling knowledge, attitudes and practices by farmers and vendors. Results: 41.4 years was the average age of farmer respondents. 26% were females. 56% had completed secondary education. 92% spray with synthetic pesticides as their main control tactic against pests and diseases. 44% reported spraying three times in a week during the wet season. 24.5% were not aware of any health risks of spraying tomatoes close to harvest time. 45.8% reported spraying their tomatoes less than a week to harvest time while 29.2% of the respondents sprayed their tomatoes at/after harvest; with reason for this spraying being to extend the shelf-life ( according to 70% of respondents), to attract customers (50%) and to control pests and diseases (46%). Class II pesticide, especially organophosphates were the most used. Conclusion: Recommended pesticide usage is not followed. Inadequate personal protection and use of pesticides for wrong purposes are prevalent misuse behavior. Market demand, lack of knowledge, financial constraints and community beliefs influence pesticide use behavior. Shelf life and tomato appearance are the key drivers of nonobservance of the pre-harvest no spray period. Education influences farmers’ safe use but doesn’t guarantee producer concern towards the consumer. Money takes precedence compared to health, amongst these tomato farmers.