A survey on knowledge and attitude of farmers of Ardebil about the application of pesticides for control of pest in potato farms with an emphasis on strengthening the role of Farmers, Behvarzan (health service workers) and Dehyaran (village forums) in reduction of health and environmental adverse effects

Abstract

Introduction: Given the diversity of pesticides and increasing consumption in agriculture, it is necessary to understand the level of knowledge and attitude of farmers about the consequences of pesticides use to promote the use of environmentally friendly methods and to extend the use of safety equipment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice of farmers, health workers and rural farmers in Ardabil city about application of pesticides in potato pest control with emphasis on enhancing the role of health workers in reducing harmful environmental and health effects. Methods: In this project, 132 people from three groups of farmers, Behvarzan and Dehyaran villages of Ardebil city (10 villages) were studied in the year 2019. In the first step, data were collected in three groups by a researcher-made questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and regression correlation, Mann-Whitney and t-test at the significant level P<0.05. Results: Based on the findings of the study, the mean and standard deviation of knowledge, attitude in farmers were 30.33 7 7.82, 56.30 ± 9.88 and 29.70 51 6.51, respectively; In Dehyaran it was 29.11 4 4.64, 48.44 19 14.19 in Behvarzan it was 31.48 47 5.47 and 44.52 13 15.13 respectively. The results of the hypothesis test showed that education variable had a positive effect on knowledge about pesticide application in potato pest control (P<0.001). Independent demographic variables had no significant effect on knowledge about pesticide application in potato pest control (P <0.05). The job of the respondents had a significant and significant effect on the attitude of the farmer and the tenant and the workers (mean score 56.30, 48.44 and 44.52, respectively) (P<0.01). According to the results of gender, there was a significant difference in attitude and performance (P<0.01). There was a significant difference between the level of knowledge (P<0.01) between those who attended and did not. Also, the source of information had a significant and significant effect on attitude and performance of farmer and tenant and brewer (P<0.01). But information source had no significant effect on knowledge (P<0.05). Conclusion:According to the results of this study, training farmers to increase their knowledge and attitude about the use of pesticides can be effective, so that increasing the level of knowledge in face-to-face, quality and up-to-date education is maximized worldwide. Conducting this research indicates the necessity of planning short, medium and long term courses. Therefore, planning to promote knowledge and attitude about fertilizer selection and pest control methods as well as improving the marketing conditions of healthy products is of great importance. Therefore, more comprehensive research is recommended to investigate the effect of different training on the process of increasing knowledge, attitude and practice regarding toxins.