Health Implication of Excessive Use and Abuse of Pesticides by the Rural Dwellers in Developing Countries: The Need for Awareness

Pesticides are chemicals essentially needed for food security and health purpose, adding that most of the time, they are being wrongly applied and abused especially by the rural dwellers in developing countries such as Nigeria. The health implication of abuse and misuse of pesticides were reviewed and ways forward suggested. This review will provide the benefits of pesticide use, awareness of the risks posed to people, wildlife and ecosystems. The paper looks into how manufacturers, users and government can minimize risks posed by pesticides. Manufacturers and users should be held more accountable for reducing both short and long-term risks of pesticide use. The primary obligation of manufacturers is to minimize risks posed by pesticides. To ensure that adverse effects on human health and the environment are prevented, pesticide registration, product labeling, government enforcement and applicator education should form the foundation of a comprehensive framework to regulate the manufacture, use and disposal of pesticides. If the various mitigation processes suggested in this review is adhered to, the developing countries will be less contaminated with environmental hazards.