Pesticides uses and risk perceptions

About the workshop :After the chaos generated by turbulent historical events, international aid and market liberalization shaped the reconstruction of Cambodia in the 1990s. This pathway into productivism and globalization, however, also had some unexpected effects, such as the negative consequences of the intensive use of chemical inputs in the agricultural sector. The uncontrolled effects of the agricultural chemicals are better identified and/or recognized, and more widespread globally. Thus, farmers, politicians, input sellers, and consumers, are increasingly questioning how these chemical substances jeopardize the health and the environment.This workshop provided an opportunity to share some recent research results to key stakeholders in Cambodia (from biological, toxicological and social sciences research). Representatives of different ministries will also present some regulation initiatives by the State. Alternative projects to limit the side-effects of the agricultural model based on agrochemistry will also be introduced by representatives of local and international NGOs. The final aim of the workshop is to increase knowledge sharing and facilitate the development of modes of production and consumption that better respect the health and the environment.The objective of the workshop :- Reinforce cross-sectoral knowledge on the multi-dimensional effects of pesticides circulation in Cambodia- Create a network of people engaged in understanding and reducing the health and environmental hazards of pesticidesInternational audienceThe presentation for the workshop “Pesticides, Agriculture and Food: Multiple and Growing concerns in Cambodia”. Talk about an anthropological research conducted between June 2018 and March 2019. Anthropology and others social sciences are really crucial in order to understand the healthhazards of pesticides. Technical tools, conceptual framework and knowledge from environmental and medical sciences are not sufficient to understand the dynamic of circulation of pesticides. The “social life” of pesticides is really different than the one imagined in industry and regulationinstitutions. The aim of the project was to explore in Cambodia the everyday life with pesticides, among rice farmers in Battambang and Svay Rieng, and among vegetable farmers in Kandal and Svay Rieng province but also among consumers in Phnom Penh and Battambang. Through interviews and observations, Was studied the risk perception and the strategies of control developed by people to protect themselves against the risks