PESTICIDES are harmful materials, they are developed and used with the explicit intention to destroy or prevent the growth of life. Pesticides are designed to kill and their mode of action is not species specific, due to this they often harm other organism apart from pests, including human. Based on the results of the Focused Group Discussion carried out, it was discovered that not all farmers in Ado-awaye, Oyo State, Nigeria engages the Spray Services Providers (SSP) who are experts, these farmers however are not aware of the hazards associated with the usage of these Agro-chemicals and how such hazards can be prevented.

Centre for Inclusive Agriculture and Gender Development (CIA-GED) in partnership with Onelife embarked on sensitizing of 40 farmers cassava farmers in Ado-awaye Oyo State on the hazards associated with pesticides/herbicides usage, and the ways to prevent such hazards while spraying their farmlands.

Farmers get in contact with pesticides and herbicides through their: Skin (Dermal), Nostril (Inhalation), Mouth (Ingestion), and Eyes. The farmers were taught the best practices for pesticides application that can prevent or minimize exposure to pesticides and herbicides. Examples of such includes:

1. wearing long sleeves clothes and trousers to protect their skin.
2. using head coverings like caps, helmets
3. wearing rubber boots and not slippers or sandals
4. using rubber gloves to cover their hands while spraying
5. desist from eating after spraying.
6. reading the instructions on the pesticides or herbicides label and lots more.

The farmers were also encouraged to always have their bath after spraying, wash the clothes used for spraying and discard the empty herbicide or pesticide bottle used.