Human health, environmental, and economic effects of pesticide use in potato production in Ecuador

TR Number
Date
2003
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Centro Internacional de la Papa (CIP)
Abstract

This research brief use qualitative data to prove that pesticides are greatly affecting health in the Ecuadorian Andes for men and women alike. The researchers note that traces of pesticides were found in the home, the majority of men and women did not understand the color coding on pesticide labels and that the vast majority of farmers used highly toxic pesticides without protection. They conclude that alternative technologies, in particular integrated pest management, would be better for the farmer's health and profitability as well as the environment.

Description
Keywords
Integrated crop management, Environmental impacts, Pesticide poisoning, Pest management, Gender, Economic impacts, Health impacts, Ecuador, Toxicity, Technology, Farm/Enterprise Scale Field Scale
Citation
Research Brief May 2003