INTRODUCTION
Background and rationale
The Filipino people are currently confronted with significant environmental challenges, including pollution, global warming, overpopulation, depletion of natural resources, and waste disposal (Datukon, 2016) Infrastructure development contributes to resource depletion and environmental degradation, while advancements in engineering and manufacturing technologies have profoundly impacted daily life The rapid evolution of these industries has led to drastic changes in the environment, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable practices.
In this regard, it was stated by Rinkesh (2016) that pollution hit number one in the significant current environmental issues
Pollution refers to the contamination of the environment through man-made waste, which poses significant risks to human health and the natural ecosystem This type of pollution arises from various human activities, including consumption, waste disposal, industrial production, transportation, and energy generation It can affect air, water, soil, and even radioactive elements, highlighting the pervasive impact of human actions on the environment (Kwak, 2017).
Soil degradation, also known as soil pollution, is a critical ecological issue in the Philippines, as highlighted by Asio (2010) The National Action Plan (NAP) for 2004 to 2010 identified it as a significant threat to the country's food security, reporting that approximately 5.2 million hectares are severely degraded, leading to a 30 to 50% reduction in soil productivity This process diminishes the soil's current and future capacity to produce goods and services Furthermore, the misuse or overuse of pesticides can harm both the soil and the organisms that inhabit it, according to the National Pesticide Information Center.
Pesticides, defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), are chemical compounds used to eliminate pests such as insects, rodents, fungi, and weeds in agriculture While effective in protecting crops, these chemicals are inherently toxic to various organisms, including humans, necessitating safe usage and proper disposal Pesticides are designed to suppress unwanted plant and animal species, but they often impact non-target organisms during application, leading to a decline in biodiversity Many pesticides are persistent in the environment, contaminating soil, groundwater, and surface water, and can bioaccumulate in food chains, posing risks to human health The intensive use of pesticides results in significant negative environmental consequences that demand attention.
The study aims to assess the awareness of farmers in Siniloan, Laguna, Philippines, regarding the environmental impacts of pesticide use Understanding their level of awareness is crucial for developing effective recommendations to mitigate the harmful effects of pesticides on both the environment and crop production.
Objectives
This study was conducted to determine the farmers’ awareness on the effects of pesticides on the environment and crop production in Siniloan, Laguna, Philippines.
Research questions and hypothesis
This study primarily aims to answer the following questions:
- What is the level of farmers’ awareness on the effects of pesticides on the environment and crop production in Siniloan, Laguna, Philippines?
-What are the factors affecting the level of farmers’ awareness on the effects of pesticides on the environment and crop production in Siniloan, Laguna, Philippines?
-What is the level of acceptance of additional knowledge regarding farmers’ awareness on the effects of pesticides in Siniloan, Laguna, Philippines?
H O (Null Hyphothesis): The farmers do not have awareness on the effect of pesticide to the environment and crop production in Siniloan, Laguna, Philippines
H A (Alternative Hyphothesis): The farmers have awareness on the effect of pesticides to the environment and crop production Siniloan, Laguna, Philippines
H O (Null Hyphothesis): The farmers’ awareness on the effects of pesticides on the environment and crop production in Siniloan, Laguna, Philippines is not affected by any factors.
H A (Alternative Hyphothesis): The farmers’ awareness on the effects of pesticides on the environment and crop production in Siniloan, Laguna, Philippines is affected by any factors
H O (Null Hyphothesis): The farmers do not accept and is not open for additional knowledge/awareness on the usage of pesticides in Siniloan, Laguna, Philippines
H A (Alternative Hyphothesis): The farmers do accept and is open for additional knowledge/awareness on the usage of pesticides in Siniloan, Laguna, Philippines.
Limitations
The scope of this study includes only the farmers’ awareness of Siniloan, Laguna,
Philippines Moreover, this study was constrained due to the time, willingness, availability and honesty of the farmers in answering the survey questionnaire.
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
An Overview of Pesticides
The global usage of pesticides has surged dramatically, with an estimated 5.2 billion pounds applied annually This widespread reliance on pesticides for pest management is prevalent worldwide, particularly in the Philippines, where agriculture employs 41% of the labor force The country's current industrial agriculture system heavily endorses the use of agrochemicals, highlighting the critical role pesticides play in modern farming practices.
Agrochemicals, particularly pesticides, are utilized in crop production to enhance yields by effectively managing harmful pests However, the risks linked to pesticide use have increasingly overshadowed their advantages Numerous studies indicate that pesticides have both beneficial and detrimental impacts on the environment and crop production.
Pesticides, defined by Merriam-Webster as agents used to eliminate pests, play a crucial role in agriculture by protecting crops from harmful insects and pests Their application not only enhances crop yields but also reduces economic losses associated with pest damage, as highlighted by Khalid et al (2009).
Pesticides play a crucial role in enhancing human health by controlling disease-carrying rodents and insects, thereby preventing disease outbreaks A notable illustration of this is the control of malaria, which previously accounted for an average of 5,000 deaths daily (Ross, 2005).
Benefits of Pesticides
The primary advantages of pesticide use stem from their immediate effects, such as increased crop yields and improved quality, exemplified by the elimination of caterpillars that threaten cabbage production These benefits lead to 26 essential advantages, including the protection of recreational areas and the preservation of human lives In contrast, secondary advantages are less direct and may take longer to manifest, making them harder to quantify However, they still provide compelling reasons for pesticide use; for instance, higher cabbage yields can generate additional income that supports children's education and healthcare, fostering a healthier and better-educated population Furthermore, these secondary benefits can include improved public health and the conservation of biodiversity.
Effects of Pesticides in Agriculture
Agriculture is a crucial sector in Saudi Arabia, experiencing significant growth since the kingdom's inception In 1936, the government exempted agricultural equipment from customs duties, signaling its commitment to the sector Over time, investments in pesticides increased, reflecting a shift towards modern, high-input agriculture, which led to notable achievements in wheat self-sufficiency However, this advancement also raised concerns about environmental preservation and soil maintenance The Ministry of Agriculture implemented regulations for the import and registration of pesticides and fertilizers, yet improper pesticide usage remains prevalent, contributing to waste and environmental contamination In the Dawadmi district, known for its diverse crop production, farmers heavily rely on pesticides, which has resulted in a rise in pests and diseases In the 2003-2004 period, approximately 9,880 liters of pesticides were used, with farmers often relying on vendor advice rather than understanding the potential harm to their health and the environment This highlights the urgent need for awareness and remedial measures to address pollution issues in the area.
Impact on Humans
Pesticides, while offering economic benefits through increased food and fiber production and the management of vector-borne diseases, pose significant health risks to humans and the environment Numerous studies have shown that certain chemicals can be hazardous to both human health and biodiversity No segment of the population is entirely safe from pesticide exposure, but the burden of health impacts disproportionately affects people in developing countries and high-risk groups worldwide.
(WHO, 1990) The overall passings and incessant illnesses because of pesticide harming number around 1 million every year (Environews Forum, 1999)
High-risk groups exposed to pesticides include production workers, formulators, sprayers, blenders, loaders, and agricultural farm workers During production and formulation processes, the likelihood of hazards increases due to the inherent risks involved In industrial environments, workers face heightened dangers as they handle various hazardous chemicals, including pesticides, raw materials, toxic solvents, and inert carriers.
OC mixes have the potential to contaminate various life forms, air, and water bodies, affecting fish and birds that rely on them for sustenance The US National Academy of Sciences has reported that the DDT metabolite DDE leads to eggshell thinning, contributing to the decline of the bald eagle population due to exposure to DDT and its byproducts Additionally, certain environmental chemicals, particularly pesticides classified as endocrine disruptors, can mimic or interfere with natural hormones in the body Long-term, low-dose exposure to these substances has been increasingly linked to adverse human health effects, including immune suppression, hormonal disruption, cognitive decline, reproductive abnormalities, and cancer.
An investigation involving 56 specialists in four HCH manufacturing units in India revealed that 21% exhibited neurological symptoms linked to exposure levels (Nigam et al., 1993) The National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH) assessed the toxicity risk of methomyl, a carbamate pesticide, in field conditions, finding significant alterations in ECG, serum LDH levels, and cholinesterase (ChE) activities among spraymen, indicating cardiotoxic effects (Saiyed et al., 1992) Additionally, health monitoring of male formulators producing various pesticides (including malathion, methyl parathion, DDT, and lindane) in informal settings highlighted a high prevalence of general symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and skin and eye irritation, alongside mental, neurological, cardiorespiratory, and gastrointestinal issues, coupled with low plasma ChE activity (Gupta et al., 1984).
A study involving 1,106 couples revealed information on regenerative toxicity linked to pesticide exposure (OC, OP, and carbamates) in cotton fields (Rupa et al., 1991) Additionally, research on malaria spraymen assessed the effects of a 16-week exposure to HCH in field conditions, focusing on the health impacts on workers (Gupta et al., 1982).
An investigation into the Seveso disaster of 1976 in Italy, linked to the production of the herbicide 2,4,5-T, identified chloracne as a significant health impact, with nearly 200 cases attributed to dioxin exposure (Pier et al., 1998) Initial health studies showed inconclusive results regarding liver function, immune response, neurological impairment, and reproductive effects, while increased mortality rates from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases were noted, possibly due to psychosocial factors alongside chemical contamination Additionally, a rise in diabetes cases was observed Follow-up studies indicated a higher incidence of gastrointestinal cancers and lymphatic and hematopoietic tissue cancers, although results were limited by factors such as lack of individual exposure data, short latency periods, and small sample sizes for certain cancer types A similar study in 2001 found no overall increase in cancer mortality, yet the findings support the hypothesis that dioxin is carcinogenic to humans and suggest its association with cardiovascular and endocrine-related health effects (Pier et al.).
During the Vietnam War, the U.S military deployed nearly 19 million gallons of herbicide across approximately 3.6 million acres in Vietnam and Laos as part of Operation Ranch Hand, which lasted from 1962 to 1971 This operation aimed to eliminate forest cover, destroy crops, and clear vegetation near U.S bases The herbicides primarily used were mixtures of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) Around 3 million Americans served in Vietnam, with many, along with Vietnamese soldiers and civilians, being exposed to these defoliants, including Agent Orange Research has indicated a link between exposure to these herbicides and an increased risk of cancer among Vietnam veterans, as well as among workers exposed to herbicides or dioxins, which contaminated the herbicide mixtures used in the region.
Numerous laborers and inhabitants, particularly in the rustic segment, are in contact with pesticides once a day, so they are at high danger of harming by these mixes
The introduction of certain pesticides can lead to neuropsychiatric issues such as mood disorders, depression, and anxiety, primarily due to their impact on the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems, often resulting in suicide attempts These neuropsychiatric disorders, linked to pesticide exposure, can also contribute to the use of pesticides as a means of self-harm.
Impact on Environment
Pesticides can contaminate soil, water, and vegetation, posing risks not only to pests but also to a wide range of non-target organisms, including birds, fish, beneficial insects, and plants While insecticides are typically the most toxic category of pesticides, herbicides can also present significant dangers to non-target life forms.
Pesticides frequently contaminate surface water through runoff from treated plants and soil, with widespread findings indicating that over 90 percent of water and fish samples from major rivers contained multiple pesticides, according to studies by the U.S Geological Survey (USGS) in the 1990s Urban streams showed even higher pesticide levels, with 99 percent of samples testing positive, and concentrations of insecticides often exceeding aquatic life protection guidelines Notably, 23 pesticides, including 17 herbicides, were identified in the Puget Sound Basin, with urban streams exhibiting more pesticide presence than agricultural ones Commonly detected pesticides included the herbicides 2,4-D, diuron, and prometon, as well as insecticides like chlorpyrifos and diazinon, which were prevalent in surface and ground water nationwide The herbicide 2,4-D was found in 12 out of 13 streams, while diazinon and diuron were detected at levels surpassing recommended safety thresholds for aquatic life.
Groundwater pollution caused by pesticides is a significant global issue, with the USGS reporting the presence of at least 143 different pesticides and 21 transformation products in groundwater These contaminants span every major chemical class, and over the last two decades, pesticide detections have been identified in groundwater across more than 43 states.
(Waskom, 1994) During one survey in India, 58% of drinking water samples drawn from various hand pumps and wells around
Bhopal has experienced significant contamination from Organo Chlorine pesticides that exceed EPA standards, highlighting the long-term challenges associated with toxic groundwater pollution Once groundwater is tainted, it can take years for the pollutants to diminish or be effectively remediated, often resulting in costly and complex cleanup efforts that may even prove impossible.
A large number of transformation products (TPs) froma wide range of pesticides have been documented (Barcelo’ and Hennion, 1997; Roberts, 1998; Roberts and Hutson,
Research on pesticide transformation products (TPs) in soil is limited, highlighting the need for further studies The persistence and movement of pesticides and their TPs are influenced by factors such as water solubility, soil-sorption constant (Koc), octanol/water partition coefficient (Kow), and soil half-life (DT50) Pesticides can be categorized into two groups: (a) hydrophobic, persistent, and bioaccumulable pesticides, like organochlorines (e.g., DDT, endosulfan, and lindane), which are now banned but still present in soil; and (b) polar pesticides, mainly herbicides, which can leach into water supplies, posing risks to drinking water Herbicides are the most studied regarding their TPs, with various metabolic pathways leading to toxic phenolic compounds The retention of pesticides and TPs in soil varies based on soil properties, with organic matter content being a key factor—higher organic matter enhances adsorption Additionally, soil pH affects pesticide retention, as lower pH increases adsorption for ionizable pesticides like 2,4-D and atrazine.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Design
This study employs a descriptive research design, utilizing formal and informal interviews, survey questionnaires, and literature reviews to gather necessary information, without conducting any examinations or experiments According to Polit & Hungler (2013), descriptive research aims to accurately portray the participants, focusing on detailing the characteristics and experiences of those involved in the study.
Tools and instruments
A descriptive survey questionnaire was chosen as the primary tool for data collection in this study, as it effectively captures the characteristics, behaviors, opinions, abilities, and knowledge of individuals or groups (Penwarden, 2014).
The study utilized a survey questionnaire as the primary tool for data collection, structured into four key sections: personal information of respondents, their awareness levels regarding pesticides, factors influencing this awareness, and their acceptance of additional knowledge about pesticides.
Sampling Design
According to Pearson & Mundform (2010), recommended sample sizes for statistical analysis range from 100 (poor) to over 1,000 (excellent) Due to the limited number of farmers in Siniloan, Laguna, Philippines, and time constraints, only 120 farmers were selected as respondents for this study Babbie (2010) defines respondents as elements chosen to gain insights about the overall population, while stratified sampling involves selecting a sample that reflects the proportions of identified subgroups within the population In this case, the identified subgroup consists of the farmers residing in Siniloan, Laguna, Philippines.
Respondents
The study focuses on farmers in Siniloan, Laguna, Philippines, who were selected as respondents due to their daily exposure to pesticides and their role as primary users of these chemicals.
Time frame and locale
The study grasped the perception of farmers in Siniloan, Laguna, Philippines within the time frame of June, 2017 – September 2017.
Data gathering procedures
During a specified time frame, the study's proponent conducted a survey among farmers in Siniloan, Laguna, Philippines After identifying available farmers, the proponent requested their participation in a survey questionnaire that took less than an hour to complete Once the farmers finished, their responses were promptly saved for analysis.
Data analysis
The proponent used the following statistical tools parallel to the objectives of the study and appropriate to analyze the gathered data:
Table 1 Statistical Tools for Interpretation of Data
Respondents’ Personal Information Frequency, Percentage
Level of awareness Frequency, Percentage,
Factors affecting the level of awareness of regarding pesticides
Level of acceptance of additional knowledge regarding pesticides
Table 2 was used to determine the respondents’ level of awareness on the effects of pesticide
Table 2 Level of awareness on the effects of pesticide
Further, Table 3 was used to determine the level of acceptance of the additional awareness of the respondents regarding the effects of pesticide
Table 3 Level of acceptance of the additional awareness regarding the effects of pesticide
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Age
Table 4 presents the distribution of respondents according to their age Results revealed that majority (i.e., 82.50%) of the respondents were aging from 40 – 59
Table 4 Distribution of respondents in terms of age
A study by the Philippine Center for Post-Harvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Los Baños – Agricultural Mechanization Development Program (UPLB-AMDP) revealed that the majority of Filipino farmers are aged between 40 and 59 years This demographic trend indicates that many Filipino farmers may struggle to keep pace with contemporary advancements in environmental practices and the impacts of pesticide use on crop production.
Gender
Table 5 illustrates the gender distribution of respondents, revealing a significant predominance of male farmers, with a ratio of three males for every one female farmer (3:1).
Table 5 Distribution of respondents in terms of gender
According to the 2002 Census of Agriculture and Fisheries by the Philippine Statistics Authority, the agricultural sector is predominantly male, with 89% of the 4.8 million agricultural operators being men, while only 11% are women.
Educational Attainment
Table 6 illustrates the distribution of respondents by their educational attainment, revealing that most participants did not specify their educational level Notably, the elementary level recorded the second highest frequency among the responses.
Table 6 Distribution of respondents in terms of educational attainment
The results above are in line also with the 2002 Philippine Statistics Authority - Census of Agriculture and Fisheries (CAF) which discussed that majority of the agricultural operators has elementary education.
Level of Awareness
Table 7 shows the level of awareness of the respondents on the effects of pesticide Most of the farmers’ score ranges from 10 – 18 correct points
Table 7 Level of Awareness on the effects of pesticide Score Frequency Percentage Verbal Interpretations
The findings indicate that respondents possess a limited awareness of the environmental and agricultural impacts of pesticides This aligns with Mercola's (2017) research, which highlights that many farm workers are unaware of the health risks associated with pesticide exposure Additionally, Mercola notes that these workers often do not recognize when they are exposed to pesticides Furthermore, farmers have not connected their practices regarding pesticide use, storage, and disposal to the occurrence of chronic pesticide-related illnesses (Pingali and Roger, n.d.).
Factors affecting the level of the respondents’ awareness
Table 8 highlights the factors influencing respondents' awareness levels, revealing that their understanding of the environmental and crop production impacts of pesticides is significantly shaped by the supervisory department.
Table 8 Factors affecting the level of the respondents’ awareness
In Siniloan, Laguna, Philippines, local supervisory departments, such as the municipal agriculture officer, play a crucial role in enhancing farmers' awareness about pesticide effects on the environment and crop production They achieve this by organizing training sessions, seminars, and free consultations It is essential for these departments to fulfill their responsibility of providing relevant educational opportunities to ensure that farmers stay informed about the latest pesticide usage practices.
Level of acceptance for the additional awareness
Table 9 shows the level of acceptance of the additional knowledge of the respondents regarding the effects of pesticide in environment and crop production
Table 9 Level of acceptance of the additional awareness Indicators Weighted Mean Verbal Interpretation
Attends meetings, trainings and other activities with relation to pesticides
Using pesticides in farming 3.89 Sometimes
Using inorganic pesticides in farming 4.09 Often
Applying the recommendations about pesticides
Negative effect on the farming area because of the usage pesticides
The survey results indicate that respondents are only somewhat receptive to gaining additional knowledge about the effects of pesticides on the environment and crop production, with an average weighted mean of 3.99 Furthermore, the overall average weighted mean aligns with this finding, as the highest-rated indicator stands at 4.12, suggesting that respondents are likely to attend meetings, training sessions, and other activities related to pesticides only occasionally Traditional farming methods appear to hinder farmers' awareness of the health risks associated with the pesticides they utilize.
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary of Findings
This study aimed to assess farmers' awareness of the environmental and crop production impacts of pesticides in Siniloan, Laguna, Philippines Utilizing a descriptive research method, data was collected through surveys administered to 120 local farmers using a structured questionnaire developed by the researchers.
The study revealed that a significant majority of respondents, 82.5%, were aged between 40 and 59 years, with men making up 70% of the sample Most participants had only completed elementary education (30%), and 64% reported being slightly aware of the environmental and crop production effects of pesticides Additionally, it was found that local supervisory departments, such as the municipal agriculture officer in Siniloan, Laguna, play a crucial role in enhancing respondents' awareness through training, seminars, and free consultations However, respondents showed a reluctance to embrace further knowledge about the impacts of pesticides on the environment and agriculture.
Conclusion
A study conducted in Siniloan, Laguna, Philippines, revealed that 64% of 120 farmers have only a slight awareness of the effects of pesticides on the environment and crop production This awareness is influenced by educational attainment, with 52% of respondents indicating no formal education and 39% being guided by a supervisory department Additionally, many farmers are resistant to gaining further knowledge about pesticide usage, preferring traditional methods over modern practices.
Recommendations
With the results and conclusion of this study, the proponent would like to address the following recommendations:
Farmers are encouraged to deepen their understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of pesticide use, including its impact on the environment, crop production, and consumer health This awareness may prompt them to reevaluate their reliance on pesticides in their agricultural practices Additionally, embracing further education on various agricultural methods, such as organic farming and natural pest control solutions, alongside the integration of modern technology, can enhance their farming strategies.
To enhance farmers' awareness of pesticides and their impacts, it is recommended that supervisory departments increase training and seminars focused on both the positive and negative effects of pesticide use This study indicates that these departments play a crucial role in shaping farmers' knowledge Additionally, incorporating discussions on alternative agricultural practices, such as organic farming, would be beneficial Furthermore, extending financial assistance and capital to farmers could encourage investment in safer and healthier farming practices.
Students enrolled in Agricultural and Farming tertiary courses are encouraged to explore alternative and sustainable methods of crop farming, integrating their knowledge with modern technologies to enhance their practices.
The proponent urges university educators to develop and implement an agricultural curriculum that includes dedicated courses focusing on the use of pesticides, along with their positive and negative impacts.
Future researchers are encouraged to expand their study by including a larger and more diverse group of respondents, particularly farmers from nearby towns such as Pangil, Pakil, Paete, Sta Maria, and Mabitac in Laguna, Philippines The initial study, which involved 120 farmers from Siniloan, yielded limited generalizability; thus, incorporating additional participants from various regions could enhance the accuracy of the findings and reveal significant factors relevant to the research Furthermore, future studies should consider integrating additional questions, such as the total annual income from farming and agricultural practices, to better assess the farmers' level of awareness and its influencing factors.
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Siniloan (Host) Campus Siniloan, Laguna
I am Allain Anjelo F Candelaria, a student at Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry in Vietnam This survey aims to gather data for my research on "Farmers' Awareness of the Impact of Pesticides on the Environment and Crop Production in Siniloan, Laguna, Philippines."
II Write TRUE in the blank if the statement is true and FALSE if it is not true according to your belief
1 The use of sprayer is more effective than the dust application of pesticide to the crops
2 It is advisable to follow the recommendation on the pesticide label to get its proper blend
3 The choice of pesticide should be appropriate to the class of the pest 4 The use of pesticide chemicals is not harmful to the plant
Improper scaling, stirring, and mixing of pesticides do not impact plant health However, the application of pesticides can harm neighboring crops Despite this, pesticides effectively eliminate the pests that they are intended to target.
8 Pesticides kill the pests that I want to kill
9 Butachlor is a classification of a pesticide which can damage plants that are unnecessary
10 Glyphosate is a classification of a pesticide which destroys all crops
11 I use protective gears like masks, long and thick clothes whenever I put on pesticides
12 Improper use of pesticides harms crops
13 The size of the fruit that applied pesticides with is the same with the fruit that doesn’t have pesticides
14 The fruit of the crop is sweeter than the crops without pesticides
15 The fruit of the crop is fleshier than the crops without pesticides
16 The fruit of the crop is juicier than the crops without pesticides
17 The skin of crops is better than the crops without pesticides
18 The fruit of the crops sells better because of the good quality than the crops without pesticides
19 The fruit of the crops that have pesticides applied on and crops that don’t have pesticides have the same fruit quality
20 The fruit of the crops that applied with organic pesticides is the same with the crops that applied with in-organic pesticides
21 Pesticides are harmful to the person who is applying
22 People and children who inhale pesticides can harm their health conditions
23 No harm can be caused if people accidentally eat pesticides
24 Children may be able to formulate a formula to learn it
25 Children can play the pesticides
26 Pesticides are harmful because of the chemical it carries
27 Pesticides reduce soil nutrients that crops needs
28 The pesticides contaminate different bodies of water
29 It is good for the human health of the person to eat fruit from the plant with organic pesticides
30 It is good for the human health of the person to eat fruit from the plant with in-organic pesticides
31 It causes allergy to the people who eats pesticides residue
32 There is no sign of destruction of the fruit of my crops compared to the plant without pesticides
33 Pesticide use is harmful to the farmers who apply it
34 Pesticide use directly affects the growth of crops
_35 Pesticide use has affected the size of the fruit of my crops
_36 Pesticide use has affected the production of my crops
_37 Pesticides cause skin itchiness to the people who use it
_38 Pesticides cause headaches to the people who use it
_39 Pesticides cause cough to the people who use it
_40 Pesticides cause dry throat to the people who use it
_41 Pesticides cause heavy breathing to the people who use it
_42 Pesticides cause dizziness to the people who use it
_43 Pesticides cause vomiting to the people who use it
_44 Pesticides cause itchiness of the eyes to the people who use it
_45 Pesticides cause excessive sweating to the people who use it
III Factors Affecting the Level of Awareness
1 Where did you learn about the use of pesticides?
2 To whom did you learn about the use of pesticides?
3 Where do you get your pesticides?
4 To whom did you get your pesticides?
5 Where did you find the information that pesticides affect the environment?
6 To whom did you find the information that pesticides affect the environment?
IV Determining the Level of Acceptance to Additional Knowledge Regarding Pesticides
1 I have the knowledge in organic farming.
2 I’m willing to do organic farming.
3 The use of organic pesticides is better than inorganic pesticides at all times.
4 My knowledge of pesticides and their effects increases whenever I attend meetings and seminars about farming.
5 I have the knowledge of the different types of pesticides and their uses.
1 I attend meetings, seminars and other gatherings about pesticides.
2 I use pesticides in my crops
3 I use in-organic pesticides in my crops.
4 I follow the recommendation that my source gives me about the information regarding pesticides.
5 Whenever I use pesticides, the soil is being polluted.