F Peres1, B Rozemberg, S R Alves, J C Moreira, J J Oliveira-Silva. 1. Coordenadoria de Epidemiologia e Avaliação do Centro de Pesquisas, Hospital Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil. fperes@ensp.fiocruz.br
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess communications aspects related to pesticide use in a rural area of the Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. METHODS: The study was carried out in the area of São Lourenço stream. It was based on methodological triangulation comprising: semi-structured interviews and observation of a local population sample (about 600 inhabitants); structured questionnaire to collect data on the local community; and records of lectures given by argonomic engineers, pesticides traders and other public service professionals. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: This study pointed out to the historical misinformation on pesticides in rural areas; the emphasis on technical language in educational and training activities available which constitutes a barrier for rural workers knowledge acquisition and empowerment; and the industry/commerce's pressure to legitimate pesticide trading, reinforcing the existing communication process, resulting in unfavorable inclusion of the rural worker into a broader market economy.
OBJECTIVE: To assess communications aspects related to pesticide use in a rural area of the Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. METHODS: The study was carried out in the area of São Lourenço stream. It was based on methodological triangulation comprising: semi-structured interviews and observation of a local population sample (about 600 inhabitants); structured questionnaire to collect data on the local community; and records of lectures given by argonomic engineers, pesticides traders and other public service professionals. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: This study pointed out to the historical misinformation on pesticides in rural areas; the emphasis on technical language in educational and training activities available which constitutes a barrier for rural workers knowledge acquisition and empowerment; and the industry/commerce's pressure to legitimate pesticide trading, reinforcing the existing communication process, resulting in unfavorable inclusion of the rural worker into a broader market economy.