PROPOSED MODEL FOR HANDLING PESTICIDE CONTAINERS BY AGRICULTURE TEACHERS IN ESWATINI

Abstract

Pesticides are toxic, even in very small quantities can have an adverse impact on organisms. Consequently, improper disposal of pesticides or their containers can lead to health hazards and environmental contamination. From the Draft Policy on Pesticides Management of 1992, Eswatini drafted a Pesticides Management Bill of 2010. At the moment there is no legal document that enforces the management of pesticides in Eswatini. This study aims at proposing a model by which agriculture teachers in Eswatini can use in managing pesticide containers. The study used a qualitative approach, transformative paradigm employing action research design. Content analysis was employed at data collection and analysis. The content analysis involves the review of documents such as policies, bills and related documents. Findings revealed that the model of handling pesticide containers by pesticide users: firstly users should read the container label, triple rinse pesticide containers, properly store the containers, sort containers by pesticide material, recycle the container, send it back to manufacturer, incineration, and land filling. Conclusion drawn is that anyone using agricultural chemicals is equally responsible for the safe disposal of the pesticide container. The model is recommended for the handling of pesticide containers by agriculture teachers in Eswatini.