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. 2024 Oct 29;14(1):26034.
doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-76733-y.

Evaluation of pesticide contamination risks and sustainable practices in Ecuadorian agriculture

Angelica Geovanna Zea Cobos  1 , Yaroslava Robles Bykbaev  2 , Fredi Portila Farfán  2 , Pablo Caballero Perez  3
Affiliations

Evaluation of pesticide contamination risks and sustainable practices in Ecuadorian agriculture

Angelica Geovanna Zea Cobos et al. Sci Rep. .

Abstract

Pesticide use is crucial in global agriculture to control pests and increase crop yields. In Ecuador, the use of pesticides, including fungicides and insecticides, is common in crops such as potatoes and tomatoes. However, the indiscriminate use of these products has proven to have negative consequences for human health and the environment. This study investigates these risks in Ecuadorian agriculture, specifically in the Paute canton, where inadequate data exacerbates these issues. Employing a descriptive research design, data were collected through validated surveys administered to 30 farmers (9 women and 21 men) residing in various rural communities. The study also included observational methods to complement survey data. Findings reveal that farmer, predominantly with primary education, face health risks from inappropriate pesticide use. Symptoms reported include eye irritation, headaches, and nasal irritation, which vary based on education level and safety practices. The research highlights the urgent need for improved pesticide management through targeted training and sustainable practices. This study's insights into the extent of health issues and variability in safety measures provide a basis for developing effective interventions to mitigate the health and environmental impacts of pesticide use in Paute and similar regions.

Keywords: Ecuadorian agriculture; Environmental impact; Farmer health; Paute canton; Pesticide contamination; Safety measures; Sustainable practices.

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Conflict of interest statement

"The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose. There are no conflicts of interest relevant to the content of this article. All authors certify that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial or non-financial interest in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript. Furthermore, the authors have no financial or proprietary interests in any material discussed in this article.

Ethics Approval

This study did not involve research with human participants or animals, so ethical approval was not required.

Consent

Not applicable, as this study did not involve human participants.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Perception of health risks from Fungicide Use on potato and tomato in Paute Canton.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Pesticide use in Paute communities by education level.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Fungicide container disposal by gender and education level.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Cámara de Comercio de Paute. Informe Anual de Actividades Económicas del Cantón Paute. Paute, Ecuador; 2019.
    1. Instituto Nacional de Meteorología e Hidrología (INAMHI). Análisis temporal y espacial del uso de herbicidas en la agricultura del Ecuador. Informe Técnico. Quito, Ecuador; 2016.
    1. Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería del Ecuador. Plan de Desarrollo y Ordenamiento Territorial del Cantón Paute. Quito, Ecuador; 2018.
    1. Municipio de Paute. Plan de Desarrollo Turístico Sostenible del Cantón Paute. Paute, Ecuador; 2020.
    1. Pestana, M. et al. Uso de fungicidas en cultivos hortícolas de la provincia de Azuay. Rev Iberoam Ciencias. 6(2), 118–128 (2019).

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