Implementation of Good Agricultural Practices in Vegetable Production for Export Markets in Ogun State, South West Nigeria

Nigeria's potential as a significant vegetable exporter to European and Middle Eastern markets has remained largely unrealised due to persistent pesticide residue violations and absence of Good Agricultural Practice certification among commercial producers. Ogun State, situated in the South West geopolitical zone with favourable agro-climatic conditions and proximity to Lagos export infrastructure, presents an important setting for examining Good Agricultural Practice adoption. This study assessed the implementation of Good Agricultural Practices among sixty vegetable farmers supplying export-oriented aggregators in Ogun State, focusing on producers of French beans, garden eggs, and bitter leaf. Assessment tools adapted from the GlobalG.A.P. standard and Codex Alimentarius Code of Hygienic Practice for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables were applied during farm visits. Topics assessed included pesticide management, irrigation water quality, soil health management, worker hygiene, and post-harvest handling. Pesticide residue analysis on selected vegetable samples was conducted using gas chromatography. Results showed that only 18 percent of farmers had received Good Agricultural Practice training. Pesticide application practices were non-compliant in 72 percent of farms, with several farmers using banned products and ignoring pre-harvest intervals. Irrigation water tested positive for faecal coliforms in four of eighteen sampled sources. The study recommends a structured Good Agricultural Practice outreach programme for Ogun State export vegetable producers, linked to premium market incentives. Keywords: Good Agricultural Practices, vegetables, export, pesticide, Ogun State.