1.1 Introduction
Pesticides are chemical or biological agents used to prevent, destroy, or control pests that threaten crops, livestock, and human health (FAO, 2019). In Nigeria, the application of pesticides has become an integral component of modern agricultural practices, aimed at meeting the growing demand for food, ensuring crop protection, and sustaining economic growth. The use of pesticides in Nigerian agriculture, however, is not without challenges. While they increase crop yields and reduce losses from pests and diseases, they simultaneously pose significant risks to the ecosystem. Studies have shown that pesticide residues can accumulate in soil, water, and air, resulting in contamination that disrupts natural processes and biodiversity (Oyekale, 2016). Beneficial organisms, including pollinators, soil microorganisms, and aquatic life, are adversely affected, which in turn destabilizes the ecological balance necessary for sustainable agriculture.
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 the Study
The agricultural sector remains a central pillar of Nigeria's economy, contributing significantly to food security, employment, and rural livelihoods. Over the decades, pesticide use has become a dominant strategy for protecting crops from pests, diseases, and weeds. According to FAO (2019), pesticides play a crucial role in boosting agricultural productivity, ensuring stability in food supply, and reducing losses caused by agricultural pests. As agricultural practices modernized, the demand for chemical pesticides increased, leading to their widespread adoption across the country. However, the implications of this trend have raised critical concerns within environmental and public health research (FAO, 2019).
Oyekale (2016) reported that the excessive and sometimes inappropriate use of pesticides in Nigeria has resulted in contamination of soil, water bodies, and agricultural produce. He asserted that pesticide residues have been detected in major agricultural zones, affecting ecological structures and threatening biodiversity. Similarly, Adewuyi et al. (2019) stated that pesticide contamination extends beyond farmlands, entering food chains and water systems, thereby exposing human populations to harmful chemical residues (Adewuyi et al., 2019).
from a public health perspective, several scholars have highlighted the vulnerability of Nigerian farmers and rural communities. Adeyi et al. (2020) affirmed that many farmers lack proper training on pesticide handling and often use these chemicals without protective equipment, increasing their risk of acute and chronic health conditions. These conditions include respiratory distress, neurological disorders, reproductive issues, and long-term systemic diseases. The authors contend that inadequate regulatory monitoring and weak enforcement mechanisms worsen the problem, allowing the circulation of banned or substandard pesticide formulations within Nigerian markets.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) plays a strategic role in regulating pesticide importation, distribution, and usage, and in promoting safe agricultural practices. Yet, challenges remain in ensuring that farmers comply with safety guidelines and that environmental protection measures are effectively implemented. According to FMARD reports, gaps in extension services, limited environmental monitoring, and insufficient public awareness continue to hinder sustainable pesticide management (FMARD, 2021). This study is set against the backdrop of examining these concerns within the Nigerian agricultural sector.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the use of ICT in education improves students' motivation and understanding of scientific concepts (Oyelere & Okebukola, 2009). However, there is evidence that some teachers struggle to integrate ICT effectively due to lack of training, inadequate resources, or limited technical skills, which negatively affects the learning experience of students (UNESCO, 2013). On the other hand, students often demonstrate varying degrees of adaptability to ICT tools, with some embracing digital simulations, online experiments, and multimedia resources, while others encounter difficulties due to insufficient digital literacy (Njoku, 2014).
Furthermore, the rapid evolution of technology makes it difficult for educators to continuously update their teaching strategies, creating a scenario where ICT tools exist but their potential is underutilized in the classroom environment (Ghavifekr & Rosdy, 2015). It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to investigate the impact of Information and Communication Technology on the teaching and learning of Physics.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The primary aim of this study is to assess the impacts of pesticide use on the ecosystem and public health in Nigerian agriculture, focusing on the regulatory role of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The specific objectives of this study are:
- To examine the environmental effects of pesticide use on soil, water, and biodiversity in Nigeria.
- To assess the public health implications of pesticide exposure among farmers and consumers.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of regulatory measures put in place by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
- To identify challenges encountered by farmers and officials in ensuring safe and sustainable pesticide use.
1.5 Research Questions
Based on the stated objectives, the study seeks to answer the following questions:
- How does pesticide use affect soil, water quality, and biodiversity in Nigeria?
- What are the public health implications of pesticide exposure for farmers and consumers?
- How effective are the policies and regulations implemented by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development?
- What challenges do farmers and regulatory officials experience in ensuring safe pesticide use?
1.6 Significance of the Study
The outcome of this research will guide policymakers and regulators toward improving safety standards, monitoring systems, and enforcement mechanisms. Also, farmers will benefit from increased awareness of safe pesticide handling practices, while public health officials will gain evidence needed for effective intervention strategies.
Furthermore, the results will also support environmental stakeholders in advocating for sustainable farming practices. In addition, the study will contribute to existing literature by providing updated and context-specific knowledge on pesticide use within Nigeria.
Lastly, this research will serve as a resource for students, researchers, and scholars who will engage in further studies relating to environmental health, agricultural policy, and sustainable development.
1.7 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H0: There is no significant relationship between pesticide use and its impact on the ecosystem and public health in Nigeria.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between pesticide use and its impact on the ecosystem and public health in Nigeria.
1.8 Scope of the Study
The scope of this research is focused on pesticide use and its ecological and health implications within the agricultural sector of Oyo State, Nigeria. The study will cover farmers, extension officers, regulatory personnel, and environmental monitoring teams operating within the state.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- 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.
- 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, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Pesticides:
Pesticides are chemical or biological substances used to control pests that harm crops, animals, or humans. According to FAO (2019), they include insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and rodenticides designed to improve agricultural productivity.
Ecosystem:
The ecosystem refers to the complex network of living organisms and their physical environment interacting as a system. Oyekale (2016) stated that ecosystems are sensitive to chemical disturbances like pesticide contamination.
Public Health:
Public health is the science and practice of preventing disease, promoting well-being, and prolonging life at community and population levels. Adewuyi et al. (2019) explained that pesticide exposure poses serious public health risks when not properly controlled.
Agriculture:
Agriculture is the practice of cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising animals for food and livelihood. Adeyi et al. (2020) affirmed that modern agriculture heavily depends on pesticides to meet global food demand.
Environmental Pollution:
Environmental pollution is the introduction of harmful substances into the environment, which disrupt natural processes and degrade ecological quality. Ojo (2016) reported that pesticide residues contribute significantly to pollution in soil and water systems.
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