PERCEPTION OF RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF PESTICIDES BY FARMERS IN ONION PLANTING IN SÃO JOSÉ DO NORTE – RS

Resumo

INTRODUCTION: Family farming is essential for food security and sustainable development. In this context, the municipality of São José do Norte, located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, stands out as the largest onion producer in the state, with onion cultivation being the main source of family income. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the risk perception among onion farmers who use pesticides in cultivation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk perception regarding pesticide exposure among farmers involved in onion cultivation in the municipality of São José do Norte – RS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data collection was conducted through the application of semi-structured questionnaires. Farmers’ risk perception was categorized into three levels: no risk, low risk, and high risk. The perceptions were analyzed in relation to the impacts of pesticide use on the environment, human health, animals and plants, food quality, and the risk associated with not using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), across different age groups. To analyze the association between the categorical variables mentioned above, the chi-square test was applied. The relationship between risk perception and the quantity of pesticides used was assessed using Spearman's correlation through a Likert scale ranging from 1 to 5. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The sample consisted of 89 farmers who cultivate onions in São José do Norte. Environmental risk perception was statistically significant (p < 0.05) among older individuals, according to the chi-square test. For the perceived risks related to water, soil, air, PPE use, food quality, animal health, population health, and personal health, no statistically significant differences were observed. Regarding the relationship between risk perception and the amount of pesticides used, the Likert scale (1 to 5) showed a weak positive correlation in the 18–39 age group (r = 0.02122), a weak negative correlation in the 40–59 age group (r = -0.07756), and a weak positive correlation in the 60–90 age group (r = 0.2922), indicating a slight increase in risk perception with higher pesticide use among older participants. It is concluded that risk perception was homogeneous across age groups, being slightly higher among older individuals.