Social and environmental impacts of pesticide use in mango cultivation

Resumen

Objective: to identify the social and environmental impacts derived from the inappropriate use and management of pesticides by mango producers in the municipality of San Marcos, Guerrero, Mexico, emphasizing the effects on the health of farmers and environmental contamination.

Design/ Methodology/ Approach: a cross-sectional study was applied to 40 mango producers using a questionnaire. In addition, focus groups were conducted to delve into pesticide management practices and farmer perceptions of risks. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics with the GraphPad Prism 7 software.

Results: farmers interviewed (100%) use pesticides, although only 40% identified to what pests those are used. The most commonly used agrochemicals belong to the organophosphate and pyrethroid chemical groups. Ninety-one percent of farmers do mix two or more pesticides without using personal protective equipment; 50% have presented some symptoms of poisoning. Empty containers are left in the orchards and the remains are dumped directly into the soil, contaminating groundwater aquifers.

Limitations/ Implications of the study: the design of appropriate pesticide management programs is needed; also the promotion of sustainable agriculture practices in the region.

Findings/ Conclusions: almost all the producers (91%) use pesticides improperly, half of them have experienced some chemical intoxication. This study highlights the importance of developing awareness strategies that include training programs based on scientific evidence, in order to teach the proper handling of agrochemicals, with a focus on the prevention for human health and environmental risks.