Evaluation of Pesticide Use Practices and Environmental Risks in Vegetable Farming Communities of Plateau State

This study evaluates pesticide use practices and associated environmental risks in vegetable farming communities around Jos, Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. Jos Plateau is a significant vegetable production zone serving urban markets in the North Central region, and the intensive use of synthetic pesticides in this production system raises concerns about soil and water contamination, pesticide residues in food, and health risks to farmers and consumers. A survey was administered to 180 vegetable farmers across five communities in Bassa, Riyom, and Mangu Local Government Areas, capturing pesticide types used, application frequencies, safety practices, and awareness of environmental regulations. Soil and water samples from irrigation channels adjacent to five farms were analysed for organochlorine and organophosphate pesticide residues. Findings reveal that the majority of sampled farmers use organophosphate insecticides at frequencies exceeding label recommendations, with re-entry intervals frequently ignored. Personal protective equipment is used by fewer than 20 percent of applicators. Pesticide residues are detected in all five irrigation water samples at concentrations that pose ecotoxicological risk to aquatic invertebrates. Soil residues at four of five sampled farms are above background levels but below agricultural soil quality guideline values. Knowledge of national pesticide registration requirements and environmental impact is very limited among all surveyed farmers. The study concludes that regulatory oversight of pesticide use in smallholder vegetable farming in Plateau State requires urgent attention. Recommendations include farmer-level integrated pest management training and more accessible pesticide alternatives. Keywords: pesticide use, vegetable farming, environmental risk, Plateau State, soil contamination.