Status of Exposure of Bio-Systems to Restricted Aluminium Phosphide Pesticide in Kano State, Nigeria

Insect pests are one of the major organisms that are responsible for reduction in quality, germination potential and quantity of maize grains as well as seeds in storage. The aim of this study was to assess the types, sources of chemicals used to preserve maize in Nigeria as well as to ascertain the technical know-how of handling these chemicals among maize merchants. The study was conducted in Kano State of Nigeria. Four local government areas which are Kura, Rogo, Garun-Malan, and Rano were selected at random from the state and from the each local government areas, two villages were selected at random. Fifty respondents were chosen at random from the two villages to make a total of 200 respondents in all. Information on the most commonly used maize preservative chemicals were obtained through structured questionnaires. The result of the survey indicated that the mean age ranged between 46-49%, modal age (38-56%), respondents with no formal education (19-40%), those with primary school education, quaranic education, secondary school and tertiary education ranged between 37-42%, 013%, 7-16%, and 10-20% respectively. Majority of the respondents are male (77-88%). The most commonly used maize storage pesticide was aluminium phosphide (42-52%). Lack of formal education among maize farmers/merchants is majorly responsible for misuse of pesticides in the study areas.