Farmers’ Perception on the use of Agrochemicals in Crop Production in Nsukka, Enugu State

The study sought to ascertain the perception of farmers on the use of agrochemicals in crop production in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu state. This study sought to identify the perception of farmers on the types of agrochemical, economic benefits of agrochemicals in crop production, constraints to the effective use of agrochemical to crop production and measures for effective utilization of agrochemicals on crop production in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu state. Four research questions were posed to guide the study. The study adopted survey research design and was carried out in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu state. The population of the study was 168 crop farmers. The entire population was studied since population was small and manageable. The instrument was face validated by three experts of agricultural education. Data were collected using structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using frequency/percentage for research question one while mean and standard deviation were used for research questions two and three. The result obtained revealed that only nine agrochemicals were utilized in crop production. Also, the study identified eleven constraints to agrochemical use as well as nine measures to effective utilization of agrochemicals. The study therefore recommended; that extension agents should provide information to the crop farmers on the different types of agrochemicals available for crop production through the use of mass media, farm visits, agrochemical dealers should give the right information about agrochemicals which will help educate farmers on the benefits associated with the right use of agrochemicals on crop production, crop farmers should be trained by extension agents through workshops and seminars on the skills for effective utilization of agrochemicals, as well as governments and other financial institutions providing credit facilities to crop farmers at low interest rate which could be inform of grants or loans from Microfinance banks.