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Effect of Extension Training on Farmers’ Use of Recommended Fungicide Application Practices

Abstract

Recommended fungicide application practices are important for effective crop disease management because inappropriate application can reduce disease control effectiveness, increase production costs, contribute to pesticide resistance, and create risks to farmers, consumers, and the environment. Farmers require adequate knowledge and practical skills to correctly select, prepare, apply, and handle fungicides. Extension training can provide farmers with relevant technical information and practical guidance on the safe and effective use of fungicides in crop production. This study will examine the effect of extension training on farmers’ use of recommended fungicide application practices. The study will assess farmers’ exposure to extension training and determine the extent to which training influences their use of appropriate fungicide application methods. It will also identify areas where farmers require additional training and advisory support to improve fungicide application practices. The study will focus on farmers’ practices relating to fungicide selection, dosage measurement, dilution, timing of application, application frequency, use of appropriate application equipment, observation of pre-harvest intervals, use of personal protective equipment, proper storage, and disposal of fungicide containers. It will also examine extension training activities such as practical demonstrations, farm visits, training sessions, field days, and advisory meetings in promoting recommended fungicide application practices among farmers. A quantitative research approach will be adopted for the study. Data will be collected from selected farmers using structured questionnaires designed to assess their exposure to extension training and their use of recommended fungicide application practices. Data will be analysed using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, while correlation and regression analysis may be used to determine the relationship between extension training and farmers’ use of recommended fungicide application practices. The study is expected to reveal that farmers with greater exposure to extension training may demonstrate higher levels of compliance with recommended fungicide application practices. Training is expected to improve farmers’ understanding of correct dosage, application timing, equipment use, protective measures, and safe handling procedures. However, factors such as limited access to extension services, inadequate training opportunities, high costs of recommended fungicides, poor availability of protective equipment, and limited access to technical information may affect farmers’ ability to consistently follow recommended practices. The study will be useful to farmers, agricultural extension agents, crop protection specialists, pesticide regulatory authorities, agricultural development agencies, research institutions, government agricultural departments, non-governmental organisations, and researchers. It may provide useful information for improving extension training programmes on responsible fungicide use and strengthening farmers’ capacity to manage crop diseases effectively. The findings may also assist stakeholders in developing practical training materials and demonstrations that promote safe and efficient fungicide application. The study concludes that extension training can contribute to improving farmers’ use of recommended fungicide application practices by providing practical knowledge and technical guidance on appropriate fungicide use. It is therefore recommended that agricultural extension agencies strengthen farmer training through practical demonstrations, field-based instruction, regular advisory visits, and accessible educational materials. Farmers should also be encouraged to follow recommended dosage and application instructions, use appropriate protective equipment, observe required safety intervals, and adopt responsible fungicide handling practices to support effective and sustainable crop protection.

Keywords: Extension training, farmers’ use, fungicide application, recommended practices, crop disease management, pesticide use, fungicide dosage, application timing, crop protection, pesticide safety, personal protective equipment, agricultural extension, disease control, sustainable agriculture, farm practices.