European Journal of Social Sciences Studies ISSN: 2501-8590 ISSN-L: 2501-8590 Available on-line at: http://www.oapub.org/soc 10.5281/zenodo.57403 Volume 1│Issue 1│2016 ANALYSIS OF FARM SAFETY-RISKS AND HAZARDS COMMON AMONG SMALL-SCALE COCOA-FARMERS IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA Leo. O. Obinna, Felix C. Nzeakoi Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria Abstract: The study was conducted in Abia State, Nigeria. A sample size of 240 respondents generated through purposive and multi–stage sampling procedures. Data were realized using structured questionnaire and they were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s correlation co-efficient. About 62.5 %, 37.5 % and 64.4 % of the respondents were males, females and literates respectively. Means of 46.5 years, 8.5 persons and ₦31,458.00 respectively were recorded for age, household size, and monthly income respectively. Stepping on sharp objects (X = 3.08), cuts/ wounds from implements / tools (X = 3.38), insects bit/ stings (X = 3.25), sun – burns (X = 3.58), and poisoning from chemicals (X = 3.58) respectively were identified as the common farm- safety- risks and hazards in the study area. Avoidance of fatigue(X = 3.38), wearing of hats/ caps (X = 2.58), always armed with machetes (X = 3.2), protective clothing (X = 2.92), rain / jungle boots (X = 2.92), and experts handling chemical application(X = 2.58), among others were identified as preventive measures employed by the cocoa farmers. Results equally, revealed that the following agro – chemicals: mirex (X = 2.63), primegram (X = 3.50), galex (X = 3.58), glamozone (X = 3.63), karate (X = 3.00), furandan (X = 3.50), primextra (X = 3.38) and copper sulfate (X = 3.25), among others were still in use by cocoa farmers in the study area. About 79.9 % of the respondents indicated that the following operations in cocoa production in the study area still involved the use of child – labor: harvesting, weeding, transportation, planting, harvesting and fertilizer application respectively. The study therefore, recommends that government agencies and stake holders charged with monitoring and enforcement of banned chemicals in Nigeria, mostly in the study area should step-up activities mostly now that the protection of environment is a very topical issue in the world. i Correspondence: obinna.leo@mouau.edu.ng, obinna.leo2@gmail.com Copyright © The Author(s). All Rights Reserved Published by Open Access Publishing Group ©2015. 102 Leo. O. Obinna, Felix, C. Nzeako – ANALYSIS OF FARM SAFETY-RISKS AND HAZARDS COMMON AMONG SMALL-SCALE COCOA-FARMERS IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA Keywords: farm safety-risks and hazards, agro–chemicals in cocoa production, childlabour in cocoa production, Abia State, Nigeria Introduction Farming is one of the most dangerous occupations. Farms may differ in sizes, locations, levels of technology applications, efficiency and capability of the farmer among others, but the common thing amongst them all, is that they are very hazardous. International Labour Organizations (ILO) (2000) reported that diseases caused by agricultural work vary considerably in different parts of the world and are conditioned by a range of factors such as climate, fauna, population density, working conditions, standard of hygiene, level of education, occupational training, technological development and access to services among others. However, Ajayi (2006) classified the common safety – risks and hazards in agricultural work to include: (i) equipment safety; (ii) environmental hazards; (iii) chemical hazards; (iv) natural hazards; (v) livestock safety; (vi) man-made hazards; (vii) general safety practices among others. He further stated that farm–related accidents are preventable, if proper safety procedures are used by all workers at all times. In Nigeria, farming is done both as a profession and a way of life (Obinna and Chukwu, 2015). Farming occupation in Nigeria (Ajayi, 2006) is mostly inherited from parents to children through socialization and other traditional processes as handed down by their forefathers. It was based on the above premise that Ijere and Mbanasor (1998) characterized the farming occupation in Nigeria as very traditional, subsistent in nature, rain–fed dependent, with very low external inputs, high level of drudgery, low yield, lack of record keeping, and high labour costs respectively. Ekong (2010) equally, noted that about 90 % of all agricultural and livestock productions in Nigeria are carried out by small- scale farmers, who are mostly illiterates, and elderly, with very large household sizes. He further, added that despite these deprecating characteristics of these small–scale farmers that they produce about 80 % of food required in Nigeria. Cocoa agriculture, which is mainly carried out in the Southern part of Nigeria is labour intensive and prone to pests and diseases attacks (Ajayi, 2006). In like manner, Tijani (2006) reported that cocoa agriculture in Nigeria involves the use of child–labour. European Journal of Social Sciences Studies - Volume 1 │ Issue 1 │ 2016 103 Leo. O. Obinna, Felix, C. Nzeako – ANALYSIS OF FARM SAFETY-RISKS AND HAZARDS COMMON AMONG SMALL-SCALE COCOA-FARMERS IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA He also noted that cocoa farmers use a wide range of pesticides in- order to limit losses which were about 30 % from pests and diseases attacks. In a similar situation, Udoh and Umoh (2011) noted that pesticides were introduced into the Nigerian farming systems due to high level of damage caused by pests and diseases mostly in cocoa agriculture. They equally, reported that human exposure to pesticides was an important health and social issue as it usually resulted in serious health problems and even death. Asamu (2005) equally, reported that children work in various activities in the agricultural sub– sectors such as crop and livestock farming, fishing, agriculture and herding. He further stated that children are fragile since the various organs of their bodies and minds are still in the development process. Therefore, that they were very susceptible to hazards associated with pesticides and herbicides. In affirmation to the above Udoh (1998) reported that more than 6,00,000 farming households in Akwa Ibom State were exposed to various problems and hazards of pesticides stored in farm- homes due to their poor handling and use. In a related situation, Okopido (2002) observed that pesticides misuse and abuse were likely to be rampant due to inadequate education on the guidelines and controls of safe use and disposal of containers and limited awareness about the lethal toxicity of these chemicals. It was based on the above that the study sought to investigate the farm safety-risks and hazards common among small–scale cocoa farmers in Abia State, Nigeria. The following objectives guided the study, to: (i) examine the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents; (ii) identify the different types of farm safety-risks and hazards the respondents are exposed to; (iii) ascertain the level of awareness of the respondents on the farm-safety risk and hazards; (iv) identify the preventive measures employed by the respondents; (v) identify the types of insecticides and herbicides commonly used by the respondents; and (vi) identify the operations that involve child–labour in cocoa production in the study area. The null hypothesis (H01) which states that there is no significant relationship between the level of awareness of the respondents on farm safety-risks and hazards and their preventive measures employed in the study European Journal of Social Sciences Studies - Volume 1 │ Issue 1 │ 2016 104 Leo. O. Obinna, Felix, C. Nzeako – ANALYSIS OF FARM SAFETY-RISKS AND HAZARDS COMMON AMONG SMALL-SCALE COCOA-FARMERS IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA Methodology The study was conducted in Abia State, Nigeria. The population of the study was all the small scale cocoa farmers in Abia State. The State is divided into three main agricultural zones namely: Ohafia, Umuahia, and Aba Agricultural Zones respectively (Abia ADP, 2006). Ohafia and Umuahia Zones were purposively selected for the study since it is in these two agricultural zones that cocoa production is carried out in Abia State. A sample size of 240 respondents comprising 120 from each zone were randomly generated and used for the study. Primary data were realized using structured questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out by using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s correlation analysis respectively. Model Specifications Pooled mean, weighted and scored by 4 point Likert type scale as follows: (a) very much aware, scored 4 points; (b) aware, scored 3 points; (c) not very much aware, scored 2 points; (d) not aware, scored 1 point respectively. The level of awareness was established as follows: 0 - 1.5 = low level of awareness; 1.6 - 3.1 = moderate level of awareness; 3.2 – 4 = high level of awareness. H01 which states that there is no significant relationship between the level of awareness of the respondents on farm – safety risks and hazards and their preventive measures employed in the study area, was analyzed using spearman’s correlation index. Mean = Χ =Σf/n …………… (1) Where, X = MEAN, Σf = summation of frequencies, n = number of observations. Formula for the Spearman’s Correlation Coefficient rs = Where, − ��� � � − ……………… (2) Γs = Spearman’s Correlation Coefficient, ΣD2 = Squared differences between ranked pairs, n = number of observations. European Journal of Social Sciences Studies - Volume 1 │ Issue 1 │ 2016 105 Leo. O. Obinna, Felix, C. Nzeako – ANALYSIS OF FARM SAFETY-RISKS AND HAZARDS COMMON AMONG SMALL-SCALE COCOA-FARMERS IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA Results and Discussion Socio-Economic Characteristics of the Respondents Table1 shows that 62.5 % of the respondents were males and 37.5 % were females. The mean age were 46.5 years and about 64.6 % of the respondents attending formal schooling comprising primary and tertiary schooling. The mean household size was 8.5 persons with a mean monthly income of about ₦31,458.00 and 21.4 years as mean farming experience respectively. The implication is that more men engaged into cocoa farming than the women in the study area. The mean age (46.5 years) indicates that the cocoa farmers were still strong and energetic in order to face the high labor intensity involved in cocoa farming. Also, the mean monthly income (₦31,458.00) indicates that cocoa farmers earn much higher income than the national minimum wage of (₦18,000.00) established by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Table 1: Distribution of the Respondents According to Socioeconomic Characteristics S/No Variables Frequency Percentage 150 62.5 90 37.5 20 - 30 40 16.67 31 - 40 35 14.58 41 - 50 50 20.83 51 - 60 70 29.17 61 and above 45 18.75 No formal Education 85 35.41 Primary Sch. 90 37.50 Secondary Sch. 50 20.83 Tertiary Sch. 15 6.25 1 - 4 80 33.33 5 - 8 90 37.50 9 and above 70 29.17 10,000 - 30,000 40 16.67 31,000 - 50, 000 100 41.67 51,000 - Above 100 41.67 Mean 01 Gender Male Female 02 Age in Years 46.5 years 03 Level of Education 04 Household Sizes ( No Persons) 8.5 persons 05 Monthly Farm Income in Naira ₦31,458.00 06 Farming Experience in Years European Journal of Social Sciences Studies - Volume 1 │ Issue 1 │ 2016 106 Leo. O. Obinna, Felix, C. Nzeako – ANALYSIS OF FARM SAFETY-RISKS AND HAZARDS COMMON AMONG SMALL-SCALE COCOA-FARMERS IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA < 10 40 16.67 10 - 20 60 25. 00 21 - 30 90 37.50 31 and above 50 20.83 21.4 years Source: Field survey 2016 Identification of the Different Types of Farm Safety-Risks and Hazards Table 2 shows that out of eleven farm safety-risks and hazards common among cocoa farmers in Abia State, only eight were significant. They include: cuts/wounds from implements, tools, and sun burns which scored 100% respectively. Others include insects bit/ stings which scored 95.83 %, stepping on sharp objects with score of 91.67 %, poisoning from chemicals with a score of 87.5 %, snake bite with a score of 83.33 %, wounds from chemicals with a score of 81.25 %, and other animals bites and attacks with score of 62.5 % respectively. Table 2: Distribution of the Respondents According to Farm Safety-Risks and Hazards Common in the Study Area S/No Variables Frequency Percentage Significance 01 Stepping on sharp objects 220 91.67 S 02 Cuts / Wounds from Implements / Tools 240 100 S 03 Insects bit / Stings 230 95.83 S 04 Snake bite 200 83.33 S 05 Poisoning from Chemicals 210 87.50 S 1195 81.25 S 150 62.50 S 80 33.33 N/ S 240 100 S 10 Thunder Strikes 50 20.83 N/ S 11 Falls from Heights 60 25.00 N/ S 06 Wounds from Chemicals 07 Other Animals bites / attacks 08 Human Attacks 09 Sun Burns Source: Field Survey 2016.  = Multiple Responses recorded.  = Responses ≥ 50 % were regarded as significant while responses <50 % were regarded as insignificant. Awareness Levels of Farm Safety-Risks and Hazards Table 3 shows that out of eleven variables investigated in the study area, the respondents were only aware of nine. They include: poisoning from chemicals and sun burn scored 3.58 and ranked 1st respectively. Others include cuts / wounds from implements / tools and other animals bites / attacks scored 3.38 and ranked 3 rd European Journal of Social Sciences Studies - Volume 1 │ Issue 1 │ 2016 107 Leo. O. Obinna, Felix, C. Nzeako – ANALYSIS OF FARM SAFETY-RISKS AND HAZARDS COMMON AMONG SMALL-SCALE COCOA-FARMERS IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA respectively. Insects bit / stings and snake bites scored a mean of 3.25 and ranked 5 th respectively. Stepping on sharp objects and wounds from chemicals scored a mean of 2.00 and 1.92 and ranked 10th and 11th respectively. Table 3: Distribution of the Respondents According to their Level of Awareness of the Farm Safety–Risks and Hazards n= 240 S/No Variables V/M/A A N/V/M/A N/A MEAN LEVEL RANKS 100 100 20 - 3.08 Moderate 7th 120 90 30 - 3.38 High 3rd 100 100 40 - 3.25 High 5th 04 Snake Bite 120 80 20 20 3.25 High 5th 05 Poisoning 150 80 10 - 3.58 High 1st 90 100 30 20 3.08 High 7th 100 130 10 - 3.38 High 3rd - 160 60 20 2.58 Moderate 9th 140 100 - - 3.58 High 1st - 90 60 90 2.00 Moderate 10th - 80 60 100 1.92 Moderate 11th 01 Stepping on sharp objects 02 Cuts / Wounds from implements / tools 03 Insects bit / stings from chemicals 06 Wounds from chemicals 07 Other animals bites / attacks 08 Human attacks 09 Sun Burns 10 Thunder strikes 11 Falls from heights Source: Field survey 2016 Preventive Measures for Farm Safety–Risks and Hazards Table 4 shows that out of eleven variables investigated only six were significant. They include avoidance of fatigue which scored a mean of 3.38 and ranked 1 st and always armed with machetes with a score of 3.2 and ranked 2nd. Others include: wearing of protective clothing, rain/jungle boots, always accompanied by someone, experts handling chemical applications, always being observant, wearing of sun hats/caps, European Journal of Social Sciences Studies - Volume 1 │ Issue 1 │ 2016 108 Leo. O. Obinna, Felix, C. Nzeako – ANALYSIS OF FARM SAFETY-RISKS AND HAZARDS COMMON AMONG SMALL-SCALE COCOA-FARMERS IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA always armed with guns, wearing hand gloves, and nose gears respectively. They scored 2.92, 2.58, 2.17, 2.08, 1.96, 1.92 and 1.42 respectively and ranked from 3rd to 11th positions respectively in descending orders. Table 4: Distribution of the Respondents According to Preventive Measures against Farm – Safety- Risks and Hazards n= 240 S/No Variables V/O O N/V/O N MEAN RANKS Significant 01 Protective Clothing 100 80 20 20 2.92 3rd S 02 Wearing of Rain / 90 90 10 50 2.92 3rd S Jungle boots 03 Wearing of Hat/ Cap - 90 80 70 2.08 8th N/S 04 Avoidance of Fatigue 120 90 30 - 3.38 1st S 05 Wearing of Sun - 80 70 90 1.96 9th N/S 50 2.17 7th N/S 1.42 11th N/ S shades / Googles 06 Being Very Observant - 90 100 07 Wearing of Nose - - 100 Gear/ hand gloves 08 Always accompanied 140 - by someone 09 Always armed with 80 10 2.58 5th S 150 - 60 100 80 1.92 10th N/ S 100 90 50 - 3.2 2nd S 60 40 2.58 5th S Guns 10 Always armed with machetes 11 Expert handling Chemical Application 40 100 Source: Field Survey 2016 V/ = Very Often, weighted and scored 4 points O = Often, weighted and scored 3 points N/ V/ O = Not Very Often, weighted and scored 2 points N = Never, weighted and scored 1 point Decision Rule: “ny mean score ≥ 2.5 was adjudged significant, while any mean < 2.5 was adjudged insignificant respectively. Identification of Types of Insecticides, Herbicides and Other Agro-Chemicals Used by Cocoa Farmers in the Stud Area Table 5 shows that out of twenty agro- chemicals investigated only eight were in use by the respondents. They include; Glamozone which scored a mean of 3.63 and ranked 1st. Others include Galex, Primegram, Furandan, Primextra, Copper Sulphate, Karate and European Journal of Social Sciences Studies - Volume 1 │ Issue 1 │ 2016 109 Leo. O. Obinna, Felix, C. Nzeako – ANALYSIS OF FARM SAFETY-RISKS AND HAZARDS COMMON AMONG SMALL-SCALE COCOA-FARMERS IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA Mirex respectively and they had mean scores from 3.58 to 2.63 respectively and ranked from 2nd position to the 8th one respectively in descending orders. Table 5 equally, shows that some banned agro – chemicals though not to a significant level were still in use in the study area. This implies that the monitoring agencies on banned chemicals are weak. The finding collaborates Udoh and Umoh (2011) who observed that some banned agro–chemicals such as DDT and Aldrin were still in circulation in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Table 5: Distribution of the Respondents According to Types of Agro- Chemicals Employed by the Cocoa Farmers in the Study Area n= 240 S/No Agro – Chemicals V/O O N/V/O N MEAN RANKS Level of Significance 01 Dicchloro- Diphenyl - - 40 200 1.17 18th N/S 02 Aldrin - - 60 180 1.25 17th N/S 03 Chlodene - 20 80 120 1.42 15th N/S 04 Lindane - 30 70 120 1.46 14th N/S 05 Dieldrin - - - 240 1.00 th 19 N/S 06 Parathion - - - 240 1.00 19th N/S 07 Ethylene Oxide - 60 40 140 1.67 11th N/S 08 Hepta Chlor - 80 20 140 1.75 10 N/S 09 Endrin - - 150 90 1.63 th 12 N/S 10 Mirex - 150 90 - 2.63 8th S 80 60 80 2.17 9th N/S 12 Primextra 100 120 20 - 3.33 13 Primegram 120 100 20 - 14 Galex 140 100 - 15 Glamozone 150 90 80 Trichoto ethane(DDT) 11 Risane 20 th th 5 S 3.50 3 rd S - 3.58 2nd S - - 3.63 1st S 60 80 20 3.00 7 S - - 150 90 1.63 th 12 N/S 18 Furandan 160 40 40 - 3.50 3rd S 19 Copper Sulphate 120 60 60 - 3.25 6th S - - 80 160 1.33 16 Karate 17 Decis 20 Benlate th 16 th N/S Source: Field Survey 2016 N/B: V/O = Very Often weighted and scored 4 points O = Often, weighted and scored 3 points N/V/O = Not Very Often, weighted and scored 2 points European Journal of Social Sciences Studies - Volume 1 │ Issue 1 │ 2016 110 Leo. O. Obinna, Felix, C. Nzeako – ANALYSIS OF FARM SAFETY-RISKS AND HAZARDS COMMON AMONG SMALL-SCALE COCOA-FARMERS IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA N = Never, weighted and scored 1 point respectively Decision Rule: “ny mean score ≥ 2.5 was adjudged significant, while any mean score < 2.5 was adjudged not significant. Identification of Cocoa-Production Activities that Involve Child-Labor Table 6 shows that out of 9 operations involved in cocoa production in the study area, six involved the use of child-labor. They include: processing which scored 91.7 % and ranked 1st. Others include weeding/slashing, transportation, planting, and harvesting and fertilizer application respectively. They recorded percentage scores of 87.5, 83.3, 79.2, 70.8, and 66.7 % respectively and were ranked from 2nd to 6th positions respectively in descending orders. The finding collaborates Asamu (2005) who observed that most working children were located in the rural areas where agriculture is the major occupation and that children work in various activities in the agricultural sub – sectors, such as crop and livestock farming, fishery and cattle herding respectively. Table 6: Distribution of the Respondents According to Cocoa Production Activities that Involve Child Labor n = 240 S/No Cocoa Production Activities that involve child labor Frequency Percentage YES 90 37.5 NO 150 62.50 YES 190 79.17 NO 50 20.33 YES 210 87.50 NO 30 12.50 Yes 40 16.67 NO 200 83.33 YES 30 12.50 NO 210 87.50 YES 160 66.67 NO 80 33.33 170 70.83 01 Clearing, Slashing, and Tillage 02 Planting 03 Weeding 04 Pesticide Application 05 Herbicide Application 06 Fertilizer Application 07 Harvesting YES European Journal of Social Sciences Studies - Volume 1 │ Issue 1 │ 2016 111 Leo. O. Obinna, Felix, C. Nzeako – ANALYSIS OF FARM SAFETY-RISKS AND HAZARDS COMMON AMONG SMALL-SCALE COCOA-FARMERS IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA NO 70 29.17 YES 200 83.33 NO 40 16.67 YES 220 91.67 NO 20 8.33 08 Transportation 09 Processing Source: Field Survey 2016 Decision Rule: “ny percentage score ≥ 50% was adjudged significant, while any percentage score < 50 % was adjudged not significant. Test for Spearman’s Correlation Index Table 7: “nalysis of Spearman’s Correlation Index Level of Preventive Awareness on Measures Farm- Safety- Employed by the Risks and Hazards Respondents S/NO Variables 01 Stepping/Sharp D D2 Mean Mean Ranks Ranks Score Score 1 2 1 2 Rain& Jungle Boots 3.08 2.92 7th 3rd 4 16 Avoidance of 3.38 3.38 3rd 1st 2 4 Objects 02 Cuts & Wounds Fatigue 03 Insect bits & Stings Protective wears 3.25 2.92 5th 3rd 2 4 04 Snake bite Rain /Jungle Boots 3.25 2.92 5th 3rd 2 4 05 Poisoning from Experts Handling 3.58 2.58 1 5 16 3.08 1.96 7th 11th -4 16 3.38 3.2 3rd 2nd 1 1 2.58 2.58 9th 5th 4 16 3.58 2.08 1st 8th 7 49 2.00 2.17 10th 7th 3 9 Chemical 06 Wounds from Chemicals st th 4 Chemicals Wearing handgloves / nose gears 07 Other Animals Attacks 08 Human Attacks Always armed with Machetes Always accompanied by someone 09 Sun Burn Wearing Hats / Caps 10 Thunder strikes Always being European Journal of Social Sciences Studies - Volume 1 │ Issue 1 │ 2016 112 Leo. O. Obinna, Felix, C. Nzeako – ANALYSIS OF FARM SAFETY-RISKS AND HAZARDS COMMON AMONG SMALL-SCALE COCOA-FARMERS IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA Observant 11 Falls from Heights Always being 1.92 2.17 11th 7th 4 16 Observant ∑=155 Source: Field Survey 2011 Гs = 1 – 930/ 110 = 1- 0.846 = 0.15 Therefore, Гs = 0.15 This implies that there is no significant relationship between the levels of Awareness of the respondents on Farm safety-risks and hazards and preventive measures employed by the respondents in the study area. Conclusion and Recommendations The study concludes that there is no significant relationship between the levels of Awareness of the respondents on farm safety – risks and hazards and preventive measures employed by them in the study area, since Гs caculated < Гs tabulated. Also, that the following banned agro- chemicals were still in use by cocoa farmers in the study area: mirex, primegram, galex, glamozene, karate, furandan, prixextra and copper sulphate. The study equally, revealed that child-labor was still in use for the following operations in cocoa farming in the study area: processing, weeding, transportation, planting, harvesting and fertilizer application respectively in the study area. The study therefore, recommends that government agencies and stake holders charged with monitoring and enforcement of banned chemicals in Nigeria, mostly in the study area should step-up activities mostly now that the protection of environment is a very topical issue in the world. References 1. Abia – ADP (2006). Root and Tuber Expansion Programme (RTEP), Annual Report 2001 – 2006 pp 1 – 52. 2. Ajayi, A. O (2006) A Study on occupational Safety Practices among Rural Farmers in Ile – Ife Area of Osun State, Nigeria: an Emphasis on relevant Training Needs. Research Journal of Agricultural and Biological Sciences, 2 (5): 227 – 235, 2006. European Journal of Social Sciences Studies - Volume 1 │ Issue 1 │ 2016 113 Leo. O. Obinna, Felix, C. Nzeako – ANALYSIS OF FARM SAFETY-RISKS AND HAZARDS COMMON AMONG SMALL-SCALE COCOA-FARMERS IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA 3. Asamu, F. F (2005) Poverty and Child Labor in Nigeria: Challenges for Youth Dev. In the 21st Century. A paper presented to the Int. Conference on Challenges of Hum. Dev. In 21st Century Africa Covenant University Otta, Nigeria June, 27 – 30. 4. Ekong, E. E. 2010. Rural Sociology; An Introduction and Analysis of Rural Nigeria. ThirdEdition, Pp 1 – 548. Dove Educational Publishers, Uyo, Nigeria. Ijere, M. O. and A. J. Mbanasor (1998) Modern Organization and Management 5. of Women Co-operatives “lphabet Nigerian Publishers Mbasi Rd. Owerri, Nigeria Pp 136. 6. International Labour Organization (ILO) (2000): CIS Safety and Health in Agriculture Special Supplement pp: 152. 7. Obinna, Leo. O. and G. O. Chukwu (2015) Culture and Agricultural Development in Contemporary Issues in Agric. Extn. And Rural Development. Published Department of Rural Sociology and Extension. MOUAU, Abia State, Nigeria. 8. Okopido, I. T (2000) Environmental pollution: An emerging health hazard. The Nigerian Scenario, Lecture. Port Harcourt, Nigeria pp. 1 – 20 9. Tijani, A.A. (2006) Pesticide Use Practices and Safety Issues: The case of Cocoa Farmers in Ondo State, Nigeria. J. Hum. 19 (3) 183 – 190, 2006. 10. Udoh, A J. and Umoh, C. E (2011) Utilization Pattern of Pesticides by Nigerian Farm Households. Indian Res. J. Ext. Edu. 11 (2). May, 2011. 11. Udoh, A. J. (1998); Safety research study in Nigeria Farm household hazards. Journal of Pesticides Trust; 40: 5 - 8 European Journal of Social Sciences Studies - Volume 1 │ Issue 1 │ 2016 114 Leo. O. Obinna, Felix, C. Nzeako – ANALYSIS OF FARM SAFETY-RISKS AND HAZARDS COMMON AMONG SMALL-SCALE COCOA-FARMERS IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA Creative Commons licensing terms Authors will retain copyright to their published articles agreeing that a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0) terms will be applied to their work. Under the terms of this license, no permission is required from the author(s) or publisher for members of the community to copy, distribute, transmit or adapt the article content, providing a proper, prominent and unambiguous attribution to the authors in a manner that makes clear that the materials are being reused under permission of a Creative Commons License. Views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this research article are views, opinions and conclusions of the author(s). 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