Agricultural stressors: identification, causes and perceived effects among Nigerian crop farmers

Abstract

Background: Many studies have focused on agricultural-related health hazards globally; however, little is known about agricultural stressors among crop farmers in the developing countries. This study identified agricultural stressors, their causes and ascribed effects among crop farmers in Nigeria.

Methods: There were 70 crop farmers randomly selected in farming communities across Ekiti State, an agrarian State in South-Western, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire with interview was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: Findings from the study showed that about 98% of the farmers were able to identify stressors that are occupational-related. About 80% of the respondents thought they had been mostly affected by agricultural stressors in a number of ways including inability to sleep regularly, relaxation problems, excessive tiredness, back problems, and intense headache. About 98% of these farmers are yet to develop structured means of coping with these stressors.

Conclusion: We concluded that agricultural stressors affect farmers' well-being. Efforts should be made at initiating a stress management campaign for Nigerian crop farmers. Government and development partners should assist farmers in their challenged areas, and there should be functional integration of mental health focused agricultural health in primary health care.

Keywords: Agricultural stressors; occupational risks; psychosocial risks; work-related stress.