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Public perception refers to the ways in which individuals and communities understand, interpret, and respond to risks based on their knowledge, experiences, beliefs, and socio-cultural contexts. In the domain of food safety, perception plays a critical role in shaping both consumer trust and purchasing behaviour, as well as their acceptance of regulatory interventions. Although public perceptions may not always align with scientific risk assessments, they are nonetheless powerful determinants of behaviour and policy effectiveness (Slovic, 2021). Consequently, understanding public perception is essential for addressing food safety challenges related to pesticide use in Nigeria.

Risk perception theory suggests that individuals evaluate risks beyond the basis of objective probability and severity to subjective lenses such as familiarity, dread, controllability, and trust in institutions. Chemical risks, including pesticide residues in food, are often perceived as “threatening” because they are invisible, involuntary, and difficult for consumers to control (EFSA, 2023). These characteristics can amplify public concern and anxiety in food systems where traceability is weak and information is limited.

In Nigeria, public perception of food safety in relation to pesticide use is shaped by a complex interaction of personal experience, social narratives, media influence, and institutional trust. For many consumers, direct or indirect experiences with food-related illness play a central role in shaping risk perception. Episodes of acute illness arising from food consumption (whether scientifically linked to pesticide exposure or not) can reinforce beliefs that certain foods or markets are unsafe. Community-level experiences, such as reports of illness or death attributed to contaminated food, often circulate through informal social networks and significantly influence collective perceptions (Okoye et al, 2022).

Cultural beliefs and traditional knowledge systems further influence how Nigerians perceive food safety. In many communities, there is a strong belief that foods produced locally or through traditional farming practices are more “natural” and therefore safer. This perception may reduce concern about pesticide residues in locally sourced foods, even in cases where chemical use is widespread. On the other hand, some consumers associate modern farming methods with excessive chemical application, leading to distrust of locally produced food, especially vegetables and fruits that are visibly treated with pesticides (Bello et al, 2024a). These contrasting views illustrate the heterogeneity of perceptions across different socio-cultural contexts.

Trust in government agencies and regulatory institutions is another key determinant of food safety perception. When consumers trust that regulatory bodies effectively monitor and enforce pesticide standards, they are more likely to perceive food as safe and to comply with food safety guidance. In Nigeria, however, trust in food safety institutions such as NAFDAC and SON is often undermined by perceptions of weak enforcement, corruption, and limited transparency. Studies have shown that low institutional trust is associated with heightened risk perception and scepticism toward official food safety assurances (Olatunji et al, 2021).

Socio-economic status and educational background also significantly shape public perception of food safety. Higher-income and more educated consumers are generally more aware of pesticide-related risks and may actively seek information about food sources, production methods, and safety standards. These demographics of consumers may also be more willing and able to pay a premium for foods perceived as safer (such as organic or imported products). In contrast, lower-income households often prioritise affordability and availability over safety considerations, even when they are aware of potential risks (FAO, 2023). As a result, perception does not always translate into behaviour, highlighting the constraints under which many Nigerian consumers operate.

Perceptions of locally produced versus imported foods further illustrate the complexity of food safety perceptions in Nigeria. Some consumers perceive imported foods as safer due to assumptions about stricter regulatory standards in exporting countries. Others view imported foods with suspicion, citing concerns about chemical preservatives, long storage periods, and unknown production processes. Locally produced foods may be valued for freshness and cultural familiarity but simultaneously feared for potential pesticide contamination due to weak domestic regulation. These contradictory perceptions coexist within the same population, thus, reflecting the influence of competing narratives and information sources (Bello et al, 2024b).

The informal nature of Nigeria’s food markets exacerbates uncertainty and shapes perception. In open markets and roadside stalls, food is typically sold without labels or certification, making it difficult for consumers to assess safety attributes. In the absence of formal information, consumers rely on heuristics such as visual appearance, vendor reputation, and price as proxies for safety. Brightly coloured vegetables, for instance, may be perceived as either fresh and desirable or excessively treated with chemicals, depending on individual beliefs and experiences (Okoye et al, 2022).

Public perception also influences support for food safety regulations and policy interventions. Consumers who perceive pesticide risks as serious are more likely to support stricter regulation, residue monitoring, and bans on hazardous chemicals. However, if regulatory measures are perceived as ineffective or selectively enforced, public support may erode. Moreover, risk communication strategies that fail to account for public perception may inadvertently reduce trust or provoke resistance, especially if messages are perceived as dismissive of lived experiences (Slovic, 2021).

Understanding public perception is therefore critical for effective food safety governance. But risk communication must be tailored to local contexts and implemented to address scientific evidence as well as cultural beliefs, economic realities, and trust deficits. In Nigeria, where structural constraints limit consumer choice, efforts to improve food safety outcomes require engagement with public perceptions rather than the assumption that information alone will drive behavioural change.

Despite its importance, empirical research on public perception of pesticide-related food safety risks in Nigeria remains limited. Existing studies often focus on specific regions or demographic groups thereby leaving gaps in understanding how perceptions vary across the country (Bello et al, 2024a; Okoye et al, 2022). There is also limited integration of perception studies with agricultural policy and food safety regulation, reducing the practical impact of existing research. This study seeks to address these gaps by systematically examining public perceptions of food safety in relation to pesticide use in Nigeria. By exploring how perceptions are formed, how they differ across socio-economic and demographic groups, and how they influence food purchasing behaviour, the study aims to generate insights that can inform more effective policy design, risk communication, and agricultural practice. In doing so, it contributes to a more holistic understanding of food safety that recognises the central role of public perception in shaping both risks and responses.

1.5 Statement of the Research Problem

Despite the widespread use of pesticides in Nigerian agriculture, there is limited empirical evidence on how the public perceives the safety of food produced using these chemicals. Existing studies have largely focused on pesticide residues, farmer practices, or regulatory challenges, with relatively little attention paid to consumer perspectives.

This gap is problematic because public perception influences consumer behaviour, market demand, and policy acceptance. If consumers lack accurate information or hold misconceptions about pesticide risks, they may either underestimate or overestimate food safety hazards. This can lead to poor dietary choices, unnecessary fear, or resistance to agricultural innovations.

The research problem addressed in this study is therefore the limited understanding of public perception of food safety in relation to pesticide use in Nigeria and how this perception aligns with actual agricultural practices and regulatory realities.

1.6 Aim and Objectives of the Study

1.6.1 Aim of the Study

The main aim of this study is “to examine public perception of food safety in relation to pesticide use in Nigeria,” with a view to informing agricultural policy, consumer education, and sustainable farming practices.

1.6.2 Objectives of the Study

The specific objectives are to:

1. Assess the level of public awareness of pesticide use in food production in Nigeria.
2. Examine public perceptions of the health risks associated with pesticide residues in food.
3. Analyse factors influencing consumer trust in the safety of food produced using pesticides.
4. Compare perceptions across different socio-demographic groups.
5. Explore stakeholder views, including farmers and agricultural officers, on pesticide use and food safety.
6. Provide recommendations for improving food safety communication and agricultural practices.

1.7 Research Questions

The study seeks to answer the following research questions:

1. What is the level of public awareness regarding pesticide use in Nigerian agriculture?
2. How do consumers perceive the safety of food produced with pesticides?
3. What factors influence public trust in food safety?
4. Are there significant differences in perception based on age, education, or location?
5. How do farmers and agricultural stakeholders perceive pesticide use and its implications for food safety?

1.8 Significance of the Study

This study is significant in several ways. Academically, it contributes to agricultural and food safety literature by integrating public perception into discussions of pesticide use. Practically, it provides insights that can guide policymakers, extension services, and regulatory agencies in designing effective interventions.

For farmers, the findings may highlight the importance of safe pesticide practices and compliance with regulations. For consumers, the study may improve awareness and empower informed food choices. Overall, the research supports sustainable agriculture and public health goals in Nigeria.

1.9 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on public perception of food safety in relation to pesticide use within Nigeria. It covers selected urban and rural areas to capture diverse perspectives. While the study considers major food crops commonly consumed in Nigeria, it does not involve laboratory testing of pesticide residues.

1.10 Research Method Overview

The study adopts a mixed-methods approach. It combines quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews. Simple descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and mean scores will be used to analyse quantitative data, while thematic analysis will be applied to qualitative responses. This approach ensures clarity, accessibility, and depth of understanding.

The flow diagram (See Figure 1.1) illustrates the mixed-methods research design adopted for this study. The research begins with a questionnaire survey of consumers, which generates quantitative data on public perceptions of food safety in relation to pesticide use. These data are subjected to quantitative analysis to identify patterns, trends, and relationships among key variables.

The second phase involves interviews with farmers and agricultural officers to gather in-depth qualitative insights into pesticide use practices, regulatory challenges, and food safety concerns from a production and governance perspective. The interview data are analysed using qualitative methods to capture themes and contextual explanations.

Finally, findings from both phases are integrated to produce a comprehensive understanding of how pesticide use influences food safety risks and public perception thereby allowing triangulation of results and strengthening the overall validity of the study.

Figure 1.1: An Overview of the Research Design

The Author (2025)

1.11 Definition of Key Terms

1. Pesticides: Chemical substances used to prevent, destroy, or control pests in agriculture.
2. Food Safety: Assurance that food will not cause harm when consumed.
3. Public Perception: Collective understanding and interpretation of risks and safety.
4. Pesticide Residues: Traces of pesticides remaining on or in food after application.

1.12 Organisation of the Study

This academic research is organised into six chapters. Chapter 1 introduces the study. Chapter 2 reviews relevant literature. Chapter 3 presents the research methodology. Chapter 4 discusses data analysis and results. Chapter 5 provides discussion of findings. Chapter 6 presents conclusions and recommendations.