1.1 Introduction
Beans (Vigna unguiculata) are grain legumes which are rich, water soluble vitamins and less expensive sources of dietary proteins. Beans are commonly known as the cowpea, black-eyed pea or beans, catjang, chinapeas, cowgram or southern peas, and grown in tropics and subtropics used as food for human as well as for animal (Bliss, 1972). They vary in colour, shape, size and eye-patterns. Among various types of legumes, beans is the most widely grown, traded and distributed food commodity in Nigeria (Campos-Vega and Oomar, 2010), and also exported to various countries around the world. Pesticides are poisons specifically produced to get rid of pests and other related insects (Banjo et al., 2010).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Beans are usually inter-planted with other crops such as millet, sorghum and maize by subsistence farmers, while farmers with large acreage practise mono cropping (Ige, 1978). Traditionally, beans are harvested as pods from the plant by hand-picking on alternate days (Taiwo, 1998). These pods are usually thrashed and allowed it moisture to dry before storing, given that beans required to be handled under minimum degree of mechanical damage (Uebersax et al., 1991). Hence, both beans production and storage are greatly threatened with severe insect pests in Nigeria. These insect pests damaged the crop at various stages of development which will consequently affect its total production. During storing, these crops are extremely vulnerable to a wide range of viral, fungal and bacterial diseases. It is estimated that about 30,000 tonnes per year of cowpea seeds are damaged due to bruchids (a popular pest) during storage (Keri, 2009). These damages caused by insects through making of holes in the seeds lead to loss of weight of about 10% (Ejiga, 1979). With absence of modern grain storage facilities, the merchants and storekeepers were only left with of using synthetically made pesticides.
Pesticides are important agricultural management tool; they increase yields and increase protection against insects at pre-harvest, post-harvest as well as during storage. It is also has continued to be the bedrock of agriculture in modern times because of its unquantifiable benefits one of which include enhancement of shelf life of stored agricultural products (Olabode et al., 2011). According to a study by Ogunjimi and Farinde (2012), the use of pesticides in Nigeria has been on the increase since their introduction in early 1950s. However, the demand for pesticides has continued to increase in the face of Nigeria’s growing human population and increased agricultural activities (Ogunjimi and Farinde, 2012).
These synthetic pesticides are mainly applied before preserving or storage which serve as a preventatives measure against fungal and insects infections on the dried-beans. Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to investigate the Effect of Poisonous Chemical on Beans Preserving.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigate reveals that toxic chemicals increase cancer rates, cause reproductive problems and contribute to a wide range of other health problems. With the development of herbicides, chemicals designed to kill plants, came new problems. Some herbicides are broad-spectrum and slaughter most plants when they are present at sufficient concentrations, while others are more specific and are targeted at only certain types of plants, such as weeds (Irispublishers, 2021).
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to investigate the Effect of Poisonous Chemical on Beans Preserving. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To explore the motive behind this high level of Poisonous Chemical presence in preserving beans.
- To examine the basic techniques used in preservation of beans in local markets of Nigeria
- To assess the different types of pesticides used in preservation of beans as well as their level of compliances to synthetic products user manuals.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Is there any basic techniques used in preservation of beans in local markets of Nigeria?
- What is the motive behind this high level of Poisonous Chemical presence in preserving beans?
- What are the different types of pesticides used in preservation of beans?
1.6 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.7 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Effect of Poisonous Chemical on Beans Preserving in Nigeria.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
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