Pesticides are intensively used in agriculture worldwide. While it is well established that pesticide exposure accounts for considerable morbidity and mortality on a global level, few studies from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) exist that have examined in an integrative approach the interrelation between institutional determinants of pesticide use, actual practice of pesticide applications on small-scale farms, and associated human and environmental health effects.
In Zarcero County (Costa Rica, 2016) and Kampala District (Uganda, 2017), data were collected by means of: (i) environmental sampling campaigns in streams and drinking water wells; (ii) cross-sectional epidemiological surveys in small-scale farmers practicing organic and conventional farming; (iii) in-depth analysis of official documents and legal texts; and (iv) interviews with key representatives of public agencies, non-governmental organizations and farmers associations. Comparative analysis and stakeholder workshops are at the core of the final integrated assessments.
Study at a Glance |
|