Behavior and Attitudes of Farmers

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 85 views

Patterns and Behavior of Pesticide Spraying and Complaints of Farmers' Health in the Village of Parksabungan Simalungun Regency

Introduction

The use of pesticides in agriculture has become a widespread practice in Indonesia, with a significant increase in usage from 11,587.2 tons in 1998 to 17,977.2 tons in 2000. Horticultural crops, particularly vegetables, are the primary recipients of these pesticides. However, the application of pesticides is often carried out without proper protection, posing a risk to the health of farmers. This study aims to identify the patterns and behavior of pesticide spraying that can affect the health complaints of farmers in the village of Parksabungan, Simalungun Regency.

Methodology

A descriptive survey was conducted to collect data from the pesticide user community, specifically chili and tomato farmers in Paricssungan Village, Simalungun Regency. A total of 46 families (KK) were sampled, with all of them being chili and tomato farmers. The data used was primary data collected through questionnaires and secondary data. The results showed that the majority of respondents were aged between 41-60 years (52.2%), with working time in spraying pesticides around 7-9 hours per day (93.5%). The length of work experience in the application of pesticides more than 10 years reached 80.4%, and the highest level of education of respondents was high school (53.3%).

Behavior and Attitudes of Farmers

Although knowledge about mixing pesticides is classified as good (52.2%), farmers' attitudes and actions are poor, with 91.3% having a negative attitude and 56.5% taking improper actions in the management of pesticides. This incompatibility between knowledge and practice is a significant concern. The health complaints faced by the most dominant respondents were headaches (28.3%). The frequency of spraying pesticides by respondents is mostly (80.4%) twice a week.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that although chili and tomato farmers in the village of Pariksungan have good knowledge about the use of pesticides, their attitudes and actions in their management are still inadequate. This highlights the need for farmers to pay more attention and implement good and correct management of pesticides. Appropriate educational and training approaches to raise awareness of farmers are very necessary so that they are able to protect their own health and the environment. This effort will reduce health complaints and contribute to agricultural sustainability in the area.

Recommendations

Collaborative efforts between the government, non-governmental organizations, and farming communities are needed to improve this condition. Counseling about the importance of using personal protective equipment when spraying pesticides, as well as the introduction of alternative pests that are more environmentally friendly, are essential. Financing for these programs must also be a priority so that farmers can access the necessary resources.

Importance of Sustainable Agriculture

The use of pesticides in agriculture has significant environmental and health implications. Sustainable agriculture practices that prioritize the use of natural and organic methods can reduce the risk of health complaints and environmental degradation. This study highlights the need for farmers, policymakers, and stakeholders to work together to promote sustainable agriculture practices that prioritize the health and well-being of farmers and the environment.

Future Research Directions

This study provides a foundation for further research on the patterns and behavior of pesticide spraying and health complaints among farmers. Future studies can explore the impact of pesticide use on the health and well-being of farmers, as well as the effectiveness of educational and training programs in promoting sustainable agriculture practices. Additionally, research can focus on the development of alternative pests and pesticides that are more environmentally friendly and reduce the risk of health complaints.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the reliance on self-reported data. Future studies can address these limitations by using larger sample sizes and collecting data through multiple sources. Additionally, research can explore the impact of pesticide use on the health and well-being of farmers in different regions and contexts.

Conclusion

The use of pesticides in agriculture has significant implications for the health and well-being of farmers. This study highlights the need for farmers, policymakers, and stakeholders to work together to promote sustainable agriculture practices that prioritize the health and well-being of farmers and the environment. By understanding the patterns and behavior of pesticide spraying and health complaints among farmers, we can develop effective strategies to reduce the risk of health complaints and promote sustainable agriculture practices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Patterns and Behavior of Pesticide Spraying and Complaints of Farmers' Health in the Village of Parksabungan Simalungun Regency

Q: What is the main objective of this study?

A: The main objective of this study is to identify the patterns and behavior of pesticide spraying that can affect the health complaints of farmers in the village of Parksabungan, Simalungun Regency.

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study is significant because it highlights the need for farmers, policymakers, and stakeholders to work together to promote sustainable agriculture practices that prioritize the health and well-being of farmers and the environment.

Q: What are the common health complaints faced by farmers in the village of Parksabungan?

A: The most common health complaints faced by farmers in the village of Parksabungan are headaches, which were reported by 28.3% of the respondents.

Q: What is the frequency of pesticide spraying among farmers in the village of Parksabungan?

A: The frequency of pesticide spraying among farmers in the village of Parksabungan is mostly twice a week, which was reported by 80.4% of the respondents.

Q: What are the factors that contribute to the incompatibility between knowledge and practice among farmers in the village of Parksabungan?

A: The factors that contribute to the incompatibility between knowledge and practice among farmers in the village of Parksabungan include a lack of attention to proper pesticide management, inadequate training, and limited access to resources.

Q: What are the recommendations for improving the situation of farmers in the village of Parksabungan?

A: The recommendations for improving the situation of farmers in the village of Parksabungan include counseling about the importance of using personal protective equipment when spraying pesticides, introducing alternative pests that are more environmentally friendly, and providing financing for these programs.

Q: What is the importance of sustainable agriculture practices in reducing the risk of health complaints and environmental degradation?

A: Sustainable agriculture practices that prioritize the use of natural and organic methods can reduce the risk of health complaints and environmental degradation.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: Future research directions for this study include exploring the impact of pesticide use on the health and well-being of farmers, evaluating the effectiveness of educational and training programs in promoting sustainable agriculture practices, and developing alternative pests and pesticides that are more environmentally friendly.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study include the small sample size and the reliance on self-reported data.

Q: What are the implications of this study for policymakers and stakeholders?

A: The implications of this study for policymakers and stakeholders are that they should work together to promote sustainable agriculture practices that prioritize the health and well-being of farmers and the environment.

Q: What are the recommendations for farmers in the village of Parksabungan?

A: The recommendations for farmers in the village of Parksabungan are to pay more attention to proper pesticide management, seek training and education on sustainable agriculture practices, and access resources and financing to support their efforts.

Q: What are the benefits of sustainable agriculture practices for farmers and the environment?

A: The benefits of sustainable agriculture practices for farmers and the environment include reduced health complaints, improved environmental quality, and increased economic benefits.