Producers' Behaviours and Their Information Source in Pesticide Use.

Producer's behaviour is critical factor for human health and safe environment. This study aims to investigate the effects of tomato producers 'behaviours in pesticide use and the source of information they use as the basis for this use. Simple random sampling method was used to estimate the sample size and 121 producers were interviewed in Aksu Township (Antalya-Turkey) to collect data for analyses. Analyses show producers' pesticide use to be correlated to their socio-economic background such as level of education and general knowledge. Age and education level affect the number of pesticide applications. We found that not using protective equipment, pesticide containers being left randomly in the environment, and some containers being used for other purposes. As well, producers expressed thoughts that these behaviors did not result in any contamination and did not affect human health. This study determines the behaviours of the producers that negatively affect human and environmental health. So, it will provide data for the policy-decision makers and extension programs (training activities) to change farmers' harmful behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]