PESTICIDE MANAGEMENT AND FARMERS PERCEPTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH ISSUES DUE TO PESTICIDE USE IN THE STATE OF YUCATAN, MEXICO: A STUDY CASE

Agriculture in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, grew last year, and pesticide use problems have been reported; however, there is no information about the use and management of pesticides in farms. In this study, the main pesticides used by farmers were identified in two types of agriculture: open-air (milpa) (OA) and enclosed area (shade house and greenhouse) (EA), in order to evaluate their use and management and the related environmental and health perceptions of users. Surveys (38 questions) were applied to 39 farmers in the study area, which consisted of 14 localities in Yucatan State. The most cultivated products were habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense) for enclosed-areas and maize (Zea mays) for open-air agriculture. The use of 33 active ingredients was reported. Some of them have restrictions in Mexico (i.e., dicofol and methamidophos). Paraquat was the most used of all pesticides reported. Organophosphorus pesticides (OP) were the most used. Farmers know about the environmental and health risks related to pesticide use; however, a lack of knowledge about the misuse of these products was evident. The surveys showed deficiencies in personal protection during application and incorrect disposal of empty containers and wastes. The analysis showed that the behavior of farmers about pesticide management and their perception of damage to health and the environment were multifactorial. The results conclude that farmers' personal aspects (i.e., language, education) are the leading cause of problems associated with pesticide misuse and the lack of information and training, representing a risk for human health and the environment.