Knowledge and Behaviour of Agrochemical Usage and Effect on Farming Area: Case Study in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Abstract

The perception of farmworkers’ knowledge, attitude, and behaviour on agrochemicals usage is vital to the safety of farmworkers. This study aimed to evaluate that perception as well as the effect of agrochemical usage on non-agrochemical farming in the surrounding area of Muang Kaen Pattana Municipality, Chiang Mai Province. The population of the study was 1,350 farmworkers, the sample size was determined from the sampling formula of Taro Yamane to 309 farmworkers, purposive selection from agrochemical and non-agrochemical in areas. Data were collected by questionnaires with 4 parts. Item-Objective Congruence (IOC), evaluated from three experts was 0.87. The reliability calculated by Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient was 0.90. The difference in physicochemical properties and number of cultivatable bacteria was tested by means of the analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA). It was found that the level of knowledge attitude among farmworkers in terms of agrochemical usage was in medium and high level. Inadequate protective behaviour and inappropriate agrochemical management were mainly caused by insufficient knowledge and pursuit of maximized profit and remuneration from agrochemical compensation. The physicochemical parameters in non-chemical usage soil were similar to those of chemical usage soil, except potassium level, which was higher. Meanwhile, the number of bacteria from non-chemical usage soil was higher than that of the chemical usage soil. A pair level of paraquat residue could be detected from both soils. The contamination of agricultural chemicals presented in non-chemical farming may be due to cross-contamination from inappropriate agrochemical usage and waste management. Most farmworkers acknowledge the harmful of agrochemicals on health and the environment but agree to use them because of an effective, convenient, and quick method of pest control. Thus, intensive instruction on agrochemical usage is required.