Farmers, development agents, and cooperative workers' perspectives on the status, impacts, and solutions of agrochemical adulteration

The use of agricultural inputs, such as pesticides and fertilizers, has increased due to agricultural expansion. In developing countries, such as Ethiopia, the agricultural sector is experiencing an expanding demand and consumption of agrochemicals to support the ever-increasing population. The increase in land dedicated to agriculture is accompanied by a rise in agrochemical demand and consumption. The increased demand for agrochemicals may lead to the distribution of low-quality, adulterated, or counterfeit products. To prevent crop loss and minimize the environmental and economic impacts of adulterated products on farmers, it is crucial to investigate their understanding of agrochemical adulteration, its prevalence, and its status. Therefore, this study aimed to assess farmers and agricultural workers, such as field agents and cooperative workers, perspectives on the incidence and impact of agrochemical adulteration in the Wolmera district, located 29 km west of Addis Ababa. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 384 participants through structured interviews. According to the findings, respondents confirmed the existence of adulterated agrochemicals in their local markets, with herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides identified as the most commonly adulterated products. The types of adulteration reported included product dilution and reduced weight. Respondents indicated significant negative impacts, including crop damage, yield reduction, and financial loss, which ultimately eroded farmers' trust in agrochemical usage. To address these challenges, an adulteration regulation mechanism should be in place, the use of technology to identify adulterated or counterfeit products should be encouraged, and accountability for fraud in the value chain should be ensured.