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Abstract
Ncube, N., P.E. Jolly, C. Fogo,
P. Bessler, A. Binns and
C. Jolly. 2007. Agricultural pesticide use, environmental
sustainability and health risks in rural Jamaica. JEMREST 3:74-82
DOI: 10.4029/2007jemrest3no117
Safe
use of pesticide is a major problem in developing countries. In Jamaica, high
levels of pesticide residues have been detected in surface water and aquatic
life. A survey of 359 farmers in three parishes in northwestern Jamaica was
conducted in the summer of 2006 to evaluate farmers handling of pesticides on
their farms. Descriptive statistics and logistic models were used to describe
and analyze farmers’ behavior in the use and handling of pesticide. Of
the 359 farmers interviewed, 270 (75.21%) reported that they had not received
any training on pesticide use or safety and less than half reported always
using safety gear during application of pesticide. The majority of farmers
stated that they use pesticides to improve the yield (85.23%) and quality
(84.67%) of crops. We examined associations between the ways farmers disposed
of empty pesticide containers and the ways they perceive that pesticides
enter the human body. There are significant relationships between whether
farmers burned or threw pesticide containers in the bushes and their
perception of the ways that pesticides can enter the body. Pesticides safety
programs that encourage farmers to follow brand instructions, promote the
appropriate use of properly maintained equipment, and promote safe disposal
of unused pesticides and empty containers may reduce reports of acute
pesticide poisoning and environmental contamination.
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