OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES ADOPTED BY FRESH PRODUCE FARMERS USING AGROCHEMICALS IN NAKURU COUNTY, KENYA
Abstract
Purpose: The study sought to identify the occupational health and safety (OHS) measures adopted by fresh produce farmers using agrochemicals in Nakuru County, Kenya.
Methodology: The study used a cross-sectional analytic and descriptive design targeting 388 farmers, with data collected through surveys, interviews, observations, and FGDs. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis.
Results: The study revealed that while 97% of farmers reported practicing handwashing after agrochemical application, only 69.1% consistently used personal protective equipment (PPE), with focus group discussions indicating actual usage was as low as 2% in some areas due to cost and limited awareness. Additionally, 68% of respondents had not received formal training on agrochemical safety, 57% conducted safety inspections irregularly, and 98% did not monitor their health after exposure. Although 93.3% claimed to follow product label instructions, qualitative findings showed that most farmers selectively read only dosage guidelines and often increased concentrations beyond recommended levels.
Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: The study recommends structured capacity building, subsidized access to PPEs, regular health monitoring, and stronger institutional support to enhance compliance with OHS standards.
Keywords: Occupational Health and Safety measures, Agrochemicals, Fresh Produce Farmers, Nakuru County
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