Agriculture & Horticulture

This study analyzed farmers utilization of insecticide treated bed nets for malaria prevention in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. The sample size of the study was 100 respondents which were randomly selected from farmers in the area who benefited from the free distribution of the nets by Rivers State Government. The questionnaire and the interview schedule were used in eliciting data from the respondents. Data were analyzed with percentage, mean score, t-test and multiple regressions. Socio-economic result shows that the respondents on the average were 40 years old, earned monthly net income of N24,184.00 ($121.38) and spent 11 years in schooling. More results indicated that while the ownership of the net was as high as 71.73%, the actual utilization was as low as 28.27%. The t-test result showed significant difference between ownership and utilization of the nets in area. Result of multiple regression analysis indicated a multiple determination (R2) of 0.6333. Determinants of the utilization of the net were age, sex, occupation and educational level of the respondents. The two major constraints in the utilization of the net in the area were inadequate information and poor design and inconvenience of hanging. In order to improve the rate of utilization of the net in the area, the study recommends enhanced information which will lead to a better education of the beneficiaries. A better design which will reduce the inconveniences associated with hanging of the nets is also recommended.