Analysis of Information on Disposal of Agrochemical Containers among Small Scale Farmers in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

The study analysed information on disposal of agrochemical containers among small scale farmers in Goko Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. A stratified purposive and simple random sampling technique was used in selecting a sample size of 125 farmers. Primary data were collected; data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings established that 84.8% were males, 31.2% were age 40-50 years among them 78.4% were married with 43.3% having household size of 7-9 persons, 39.2% acquired secondary education with 28% who had farming experience of 31-40 years. About 40% of the respondents had farmland of between 3 and 4 hectares, 33.6% earned an annual estimated income of above ₦500,000.0 and 96.6% had no contact with extension agents, 53.6% disposed agrochemical containers using open dump, on perceived negative effects of agrochemicals 68.8% had reduction in soil microorganisms. About 54% perceived long-time negative effects as reduced visual ability, 32.8% disposed an average of 9 containers in a year and 98.4% had the challenge of lack of knowledge on dangers associated with disposal of agrochemical containers. In conclusion, the indiscriminate disposal and reuse of agrochemical containers/sachets have led to contamination of environment which climax to serious human health problems. It is recommended that public enlightenment should be carried out on dangers of indiscriminate disposal of agrochemical containers/sachets and agrochemical containers/sachets collecting points should be established by both the public and private sectors.