MEZIESBLOG

2.5.1 Defining Public Perception of Risks

Public perception refers to the subjective interpretation of risk, shaped by individual experiences, cultural beliefs, media narratives, and trust in institutions. In food safety contexts, perceived risk may diverge from scientific risk assessments but significantly influences consumer behaviour (Ejimerhomu et al, 2025).

In Nigeria, public perceptions of pesticides and food safety are influenced by:

1. Personal or community experiences with foodborne illness.
2. Media reporting on pesticide misuse.
3. Cultural beliefs about ‘natural’ versus ‘chemical’ foods.
4. Trust (or mistrust) in regulatory and governmental agencies.
5. Socio-economic and educational background.

These determinants shape how consumers evaluate risk and make food choices, often predicated on perceptions rather than purely scientific evidence.

2.5.2 Empirical Evidence in Nigeria

While systematic studies on pesticide perceptions are limited, broader research on food safety perceptions highlights that Nigerian consumers show varied levels of awareness and concern about food hazards (Tambo et al, 2024). Recent systematic review synthesised evidence indicating that many consumers possess general knowledge of food safety but exhibit poor self-reported practices, especially in relation to fresh produce and traditional markets (Ejimerhomu et al, 2025).

Though this review spans general food safety behaviours rather than pesticide-specific perceptions, it underscores that cognitive awareness does not automatically translate to safer practices, pointing to the importance of understanding perception and context.

In other LMIC settings, pesticide concerns are frequently cited as the main source of food safety anxiety, influencing consumer choices of outlets and avoidance of certain products (Tambo et al, 2024).