Socio-economic determinants of pesticide awareness and use practices among rural farmers, hunters, and bushmeat sellers in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Pesticide use is widespread in rural livelihoods in Nigeria, yet unsafe application practices continue to pose significant health and environmental risks. This study investigated the socio-economic determinants of pesticide awareness and usage practices among crop farmers, hunters, and bushmeat sellers in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Using a multistage sampling technique, 175 respondents were selected and surveyed with a structured questionnaire covering socio-economic characteristics, pesticide awareness, and usage patterns. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression. Findings revealed generally high pesticide awareness across occupational groups, with crop farmers (95.7%) recording the highest awareness, then hunters (91.9%) and bushmeat sellers (90.4%). Education level (χ² = 12.84, p = 0.005) and monthly income (χ² = 10.91, p = 0.012) were significantly associated with awareness. The purposes of pesticide use differed significantly among occupational groups (χ² = 29.67, p < 0.001). Logistic regression showed that higher education (OR = 2.29, p = 0.004) and awareness level (OR = 3.07, p = 0.001) significantly predicted safer pesticide practices. Despite high awareness, unsafe practices persisted, indicating a pronounced awareness–practice gap. The study recommends improved access to safer pesticide alternatives to enhance sustainable pesticide use in rural communities.