Pesticide use patterns among small-scale farmers: A case study from

Abstract. In this study, 130 small-scale farmers were surveyed regarding pesticide use patterns in rural Phitsanulok, northern Thailand using a structured questionnaire ad-ministered via personal interviews and an observational checklist of farmer pesticide storage practices. The survey was conducted during December 2007-January 2008. The results indicate pesticides are readily available and widely used in crop produc-tion. This includes the use of endosulfan which has been banned by the Thai govern-ment since 2004. Overall, pesticide use was inappropriate. Farmers did not wear suit-able personal protection, apply pesticides in an appropriate fashion, or discard the waste safely. They frequently relied on commercial advertisements for the best pesti-cide to use. Pesticide use patterns among small-scale farmers in Thailand need im-provement. Educational interventions are essential for promoting safety during all phases of pesticide handling. Public policies should be developed to encourage farm-ers to change their pest management methods from chemical based to methods that are healthier and more environmentally friendly. ment. Along with the green revolution polic