Paper presented at the 52nd CFCS Annual Meeting, Guadeloupe, July 10-16, 2016
THE USE OF PESTICIDES BY SMALL FARMERS IN THE RICE PRODUCTION IN DISTRICT NICKERIE Kesharie Raghni 1, Lydia.V. Ori Ph.D2, Prof.dr. Henry R. Ori3 and R. Mangal, M.Sc.2 1
Master of Science in Education and Research for Sustainable Development,2 Faculty member Agricultural Production, Anton de Kom University of Suriname, 3Faculty member Social Sciences, Anton de Kom University of Suriname
Keywords: rice, pesticides, farmers, pesticide safety Abstract The import data from the Ministry of Trade indicates that Suriname has increased pesticides imports over the last five years. According to research evidence, as much as 80% of potential production in various crops including rice would be lost as a result of agricultural pests without crop protection measures. Even though the benefits of chemical pesticides use are clear, negative health and environmental impacts of their use are also evident. In lieu of this information a study was conducted to determine small rice farmers’ perceptions on their knowledge of pesticide use, and safety of pesticides in rice production For this investigation a questionnaire was adapted from a pesticide use survey to generate and collect meaningful data on perceptions of small rice farmer’s knowledge and practices related to pesticide use and safety aspects in rice production in Nickerie. The sample population consisted of 200 small rice farmers. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel. Descriptive statistics and correlation were used to describe the data. Findings reveal that the rice farmers are male, on the average older than 50 years and have more than 15 years of experience with rice production. Results also reveal that farmers perceive the recommended dosage as too little and therefore increase the dosage. They often mix different types of pesticides and do not use all of their protective equipment while spraying. Based on the results it is recommended to develop pesticide policies to stimulate farmers to practice safe pesticide use in Suriname. Introduction Exposure to pesticides can also weaken the immune system and increase the vulnerability to illness or death. Information concerning farmers’ knowledge and pesticide use in rice production was a concern in Suriname. There was also not much information available about the impact of pesticide usage in rice production by the small rice farmers. This study has focused on investigating small rice farmer’s perception on their knowledge of pesticide use and the impact of pesticide use in the rice production Materials and methods A combination of quantitative and qualitative research (mixed method) methodology were selected to collect data about small rice farmer’s perceptions. The target population consisted of 200 small-scale farmers. For the quantitative part, a questionnaire was adapted from the literature and validated. The questionnaire consisted of three sections. For the qualitative research part, study four focus groups were used. For the focus group, a discussion topic list was prepared to aid in the interpretation of farmers. Each focus group consisted of 10 small rice farmers. Main results The results revealed that the rice farmers are all male, on the average older than 50 years, who attended primary school, and have more than 15 years of agricultural experience with rice production. The majority of farmers have a profit of more than 5000 SRD. The farmer is the main person to purchase the pesticides to be used in the rice fields. Farmers perceive the recommended dosage as too little and therefore increase the dosage. They often mix different types of pesticides because they stated that it cost less, and does not require labor, and that the mixed pesticide is better and faster working. The farmers stated that they do not need to use all of the required personal protective equipment while spraying pesticides, because they feel uncomfortable wearing it. The choice for wearing personal protective equipment is based on their own judgment. Farmers have observed death fish, frogs, and birds when spraying their fields. The majority of farmers do not consider soil contamination as a hazard when applying pesticides in their fields. Results indicate that farmers do experience health effects such as breathing problems, skin rash, burning sensation, and skin problems. However, they do consider these problems a direct risk to their health. The variable training and year of experience did not have any significant (P<0, 05) influence on pesticide use in contrast to the variable level of education which had a significant (p< 0, 05) correlation with pesticide use.
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