Uso de agrotóxicos na agricultura familiar: um estudo de caso no Assentamento Juazeiro em Marizópolis – PB.

Abstract

Agrochemicals are chemical products used to increase agriculture productivity, even though they pose health risks to farmers,the environment and the consumers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the practices of family farmers from Assentamento Juazeiro, Marizópolis-PB regarding the safe use of agrochemicals, thus assessing health risks for producers and the environment. The research used a qualitative and quantitative approach in which data was collected following semi-structured surveys that were applied to 19 farmers. According to the detailed data, it was possible to observe that the main use of agrochemicals falls on organophosphate herbicides with a high toxicological level, which are obtained without prescriptions and limited orientations in respect to its use. Furthermore, the farmers wear the personal protection equipment only partially, and incorrectly dispose of their empty packings. Some farmers are still adept to agroecological practices to combat pests in crops. Therefore, trainings for the farmers are necessary in regarding to the adequate use of agrochemicals and the personal protection equipment, in addition to the promotion of more sustainable practices for the environmental and population health. It is also highlighted the importance of debating the theme on basic education, allowing the formation and awareness of the children of the producers regarding to the correct use or the adoption of an efficient agroecological system.