The results of this study demonstrate a significant correlation between education level and the perception of risks associated with fungicide use (r = 0.45, p < 0.05). This aligns with prior research showing that farmers with higher educational attainment are generally more aware of the health hazards posed by prolonged pesticide exposure (Jones et al., 2019; Pérez et al., 2021)30,31,32. However, while knowledge can influence risk perception, socioeconomic pressures, limited access to appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and cultural barriers remain key factors that hinder the adoption of safer agricultural practices (Smith et al., 2020). Therefore, it is critical that intervention programs not only focus on knowledge transfer but also address these broader systemic challenges.
Consistent with earlier studies in Latin American agricultural regions, our findings further highlight the pivotal role of education and training in mitigating pesticide-related risks33,34. For instance, research conducted in Peru found that farmers with lower educational backgrounds were more likely to report health issues related to pesticide use, a trend that mirrors the outcomes observed in Paute35,36,37. This correlation underscores the urgent need to develop targeted educational interventions that cater specifically to farmers with limited formal education.
However, caution must be exercised when generalizing these results to other agricultural regions. The specific dynamics of Paute canton, such as the small sample size (n=30) and the targeted selection of participants, limit the broader applicability of these findings. Moreover, factors such as access to education, economic resources, and governmental policies differ significantly across regions, potentially influencing both pesticide practices and health outcomes. As such, the patterns observed in Paute may not be directly transferrable to other agricultural contexts without careful consideration of these variables.
To address the deficiencies in pesticide training, we recommend the implementation of continuous education programs that encompass both theoretical and practical aspects of pesticide management. These programs should be accessible, culturally adapted, and designed to overcome linguistic and economic barriers. Additionally, local governments should develop policies that incentivize the use of biological control methods and the adoption of sustainable farming practices. Future research should prioritize assessing the effectiveness of these interventions, with a particular focus on their impact on farmer health and environmental outcomes.
Despite the important insights provided by this study, there are several limitations that should be acknowledged. First, the relatively small sample size constrains the generalizability of the findings. Second, the purposive sampling approach may introduce bias, as those farmers more willing to participate in the study may not fully represent the broader community. Finally, reliance on self-reported data could result in the underreporting or overreporting of health symptoms and safety practices, which should be accounted for in future investigations.
The findings of this study reveal concerns trends in pesticide use and management among farmers in the Paute canton. The demographic profile of most respondents—primarily men with primary education—indicates potential gaps in access to essential information and training on safe pesticide practices. This demographic is also associated with a higher likelihood of exposure to health risks, including eye irritation, headaches, and nasal irritation, which were frequently reported by the respondents.
An important aspect identified in this study is the perception of health risks among farmers, particularly those cultivating potatoes and tomatoes. While some protective measures, such as masks and gloves, were reportedly used, these appear insufficient to fully mitigate the observed health impacts. This underscores the need for enhanced training and the broader adoption of safer and more effective pesticide management practices.
The variability in safety measures and the disposal of fungicide containers further reflects the inconsistent implementation of good agricultural practices across different communities. Parishes like Paute Centro and San Juan exhibited greater diversity in safety practices, likely due to higher levels of education and improved access to information. In contrast, communities such as El Cabo and Yumacay showed fewer safety measures, making them ideal candidates for targeted interventions aimed at improving pesticide safety education.
The prevalence of primary education among farmers reporting health symptoms suggests a direct relationship between education level and risk perception, as well as the use of safety measures. This is a critical finding, indicating that intervention strategies must be tailored to the educational background of the farming population to be effective. Additionally, risk perception and the adoption of safe practices are influenced by socioeconomic factors, such as the cost of fungicides and the availability of PPE, which need to be addressed in any comprehensive intervention strategy.
Finally, the analysis of fungicide container disposal practices by gender and education level reveals that most farmers make decisions based on price and effectiveness, with inadequate attention to safe disposal methods. Improper practices, such as discarding containers in the trash or puncturing them, point to a lack of awareness regarding environmental hazards and safe disposal protocols. This emphasizes the need for educational campaigns that focus not only on pesticide application but also on the safe handling and disposal of chemical residues and containers to minimize environmental contamination.