Evaluation of the use of Training and Awareness and the Promotion of the Safe use, Handling, Application, Storage, and Disposal of Pesticides as a Risk Reduction Strategy to Pesticide Exposure: A Case Study with Farmers in Ruby, Parika and Naamryck Farming Communities in Guyana

Abstract

The risk reduction strategy for pesticide exposure was conducted with farmers in the Ruby, Parika and Naamryck (RPN) farming areas. A case study method was adopted using pre and post-intervention survey tools (Appendix I and II) to assess the effectiveness of the strategy. Twentyeight (28) participants consisting of farmers from RPN part take in the intervention exercise during 2022. The results of the survey demonstrated a 60% increase in understanding that all pesticides are poisons. Likewise, 80% increase in understanding that pesticides can impact human health and the environment, while 40% more now understand that there are alternatives to toxic pesticides. Further, > 80% of the respondents identify farmers, children, women, and the elderly as the most vulnerable group. In addition, 80% of the respondents demonstrated knowledge of pesticide labels in the pre-survey, while 100% in the post-survey agreed that the dose rates on pesticide labels should be used. Likewise, in the post-survey 90% of respondents were able to identify the different classes of pesticides and 100% demonstrated knowledge of color bands and toxicity levels. Response to PPE remained the same before and after the exercise, where 80% indicated that it is extremely important and 20% very important. Also, 100% indicated that morning was the most suitable time for the application of pesticides and 90% said evening. Surprisingly, even with the training 10% of respondents indicated that spraying against the wind was acceptable.However, 100% agreed that there should be no smoking when applying pesticides. Further, the pre-survey revealed that 30% of the respondents were not using designated clothing. Interestingly, following the exercise 100% reported that they are utilizing designated clothing. Also, 100% of participants agreed that proper pesticide storage is always important and 100% agreed to better disposal practices of empty pesticide containers. In general, participants found the information shared and topics covered useful (100%), relevant to the group (100%), clear in presentation, and tailored to the target audience (100%) to ensure as much knowledge gain as possible. All participants expressed satisfaction with the exercise and requested additional and continuous training annually. Further, 100% of those surveyed indicated that they have gained knowledge from the training provided on the safe use, handling, storage, and disposal of pesticides and this will be shared with other farmers. It can be concluded that the aim and objectives of the intervention were met. However, the actuality of farmers practicing the same in the fields was not an eventuality indicating that more training, awareness, and education on modern trends of health and environmentally friendly agricultural methods should be encouraged to get them to adopt and implement the best practices in the safe use and management of pesticides in the farms.