Exploring Pesticide Knowledge, Practices, and Health Perceptions Among Farmers in Akkar, Lebanon

The unregulated and widespread use of agricultural pesticides in Lebanon has led to critical health and environmental challenges. Small-scale farmers in Akkar, a key agricultural region, are particularly vulnerable due to limited knowledge, unsafe practices, and insufficient access to safety resources.

This study evaluates the knowledge, practices, and perceived health impacts of pesticide use among small-scale farmers in Akkar. It aims to identify gaps and provide targeted recommendations for interventions that enhance safety, sustainability, and environmental conservation.

A cross-sectional survey involving 151 farmers was conducted from November 2022 to January 2023 using a validated questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and Tukey's HSD post hoc tests were used to assess knowledge and practice scores and identify predictors.

Farmers demonstrated moderate knowledge (mean score: 0.545) and practices (mean score: 0.607). However, environmental awareness was low, with only 9.3% recognizing water contamination risks. Alarmingly, 37.7% of farmers reported using no protective gear, while 67.5% experienced acute symptoms such as respiratory irritation and skin issues. Education was a significant predictor of knowledge (p < 0.01).

This study underscores the pressing need for tailored educational programs, accessible protective equipment, stricter regulatory frameworks, and environmental conservation strategies to reduce health risks and promote sustainable pesticide use.