IMPACT ASSESSMENTS OF OCCUPATIONAL FARM-SAFETY ON NIGERIA AGRO-ECONOMY RECOVERY AGENDA

Year 2021, Volume: 4 Issue: 1, 1 - 6, 30.04.2021

Lawrence Enemaku Samuel Oluwagbayide

Abstract

Human capital is a great investment in a mechanized agricultural sector for productivity growth of a national economy. Poor safety policies actions increase burden of injuries/illness (BOI) on farm employees thereby, impeding productive efficiency, financial profitability, return on investment (ROI) and mitigating national agro-economy growth which represents the bottom line of farming business. It was in this view this research work assessed the impact of farm safety policy implementation and monitoring on Nigeria economy diversification and recovery policy through a productive mechanized agricultural sector using Novum Agric Industry (NAI)-an integrated commercial farm as a case study. One hundred and twenty (120) respondents from various sections on the farm were randomly selected. Farm safety policy (FSP) performance questionnaires and structured interview were adopted for data collation. Descriptive statistics analysis revealed 56.7% and 61.7% male dominated and literate farm population, age 18-30 and 31-40 years constituting 51.7% and 41.7% of total farm population respectively. The percentages of employees strongly agreed and strongly disagreed to the respective assertions: 56.7% and 2.5% - farm mechanization technique practices; 14.2% and 27.5% - hazard awareness; 4.2% and 52.5% - safety training; 12.5% and 40% - use of personal protective equipment (PPE) 1.7% and 56.7% - FSP implementation; 0% and 63.3% - FSP monitoring. Consequently, the followings strongly agreed and strongly disagreed to the corresponding injury assertions: 40% and 9.2% - fractures and sprains; 39.2% and 2.5% - chemical attacks; 55% and 0% - body lacerations; 29.2% and 15% - specific and non-specific chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). Based on these, 35.8% and 15%; 23.3% and 25.8%; 30.8% and 10% strongly agreed and disagreed to delay in farm work; reduction in -: employees’, annual farm return, and employees’ income. Farm safety policy actions should be fully implemented, monitored and periodically reviewed by the employer.

Keywords

Farm, Employees, Safety, policy, injury, and Economy

Supporting Institution

No suuporting institution

Project Number

No project or grant provided

Thanks

Appreciation to those who have contributed for the success of this research especially the management and staff of NAI Limited whose Farm was used for this research.

References

• [1] ILO-OSH (2010). Code of practice on safety and health in agriculture. Meetings- MESHA-Final Code-2010-10-0355-1-En.doc/v2. Pp32-35
• [2] McKnight, H. R. and Melvin, L. M. (2010). History of occupational safety and health in agriculture. Pp34.
• [3] Ngigi, N. S. (2009). Climate Change Adaptation Strategies: Water Resources Management Options for Smallholder Farming Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. The MDG Centre for East and Southern Africa of the Earth Institute at Columbia University, New York, USA.
• [4] Olowogbon, S. T., Fakayode, S. B., Jolaiya, A. J. and Adenrele, A. Y (2013) Journal of Development and Agricultural Economics: The Economics of farm safety; The Nigerian scenario, 5(1): Pp7-11.
• [5] Chris, I. (2008). Pastoral care, Safety Health Practitioner Magazine, United Media.
• [6] Smallman, C. and John, G. (2001). ‘British directors’ perspectives on the impact of health and safety on corporate performance’, Safety Science, 38: 227-239.
• [7] Mostafa A. B (2003). Health of Agricultural Workers in Agriculture: World Health Regional Publication, Eastern Mediterranean Series 25, Egypt.
• [8] Health and Safety Authority (HSA), (2006). Workplace Safety and Health Management. Pp5.