Introduction:

To propose strategies for education and communication on pesticides in the agricultural communities of Sonora, it is required to place the problem of exposure to pesticides in the socio-cultural and environmental context of the affected communities, taking into account the factors that contribute to the higher risk of exposure of farm workers and their families. This study examines population, education, cultural and environment factors, and work practices of people and agricultural workers of these communities, as well as the limitations of community infrastructure and housing conditions in relation to the risk of contamination by pesticides. On the basis of such analysis, there are proposed educational alternatives that mitigate this risk in the socio-cultural context of these communities.

Methods:

Studies of residues in agricultural and aquaculture products, in soil, water, environment, and body fluids of children and adults from Sonora concluded that both agricultural workers and the population close to agricultural fields are subject to a greater risk of contamination by pesticides. Five communities from Sonora’s most productive agricultural valleys, where pesticide-related research has been made in the past, were selected. This study analyzes the information of the inhabitants and agricultural workers surveyed in relation to pesticide knowledge, protection measures in pesticide management and application, as well as their perception of the risk that pesticides represent. There is also a description of the community infrastructure, and housing conditions in relation to the potential risk of contamination.

Results:

The survey revealed that the communities under study have very low action and knowledge of the health risks of pesticides, despite being exposed frequently. Seventy percent of those surveyed are not protected adequately when applying pesticides or when engaging in agricultural work. According to the causes of symptoms and/or discomforts answered by respondents, very few people perceive pesticides as a health risk. The limited infrastructure of most of the settlements and poor housing conditions contribute to increase the risk of exposure.

Conclusions:

The educational, communication and training programs to be implemented in these communities should focus on the social, cultural, ethnic, and environmental context to achieve lasting changes in the behavior and awareness of the affected communities in a way that substantially reduces their risk of exposure to pesticides. In relation to the community’s infrastructure, programs that encourage the improvement of water resources, dwellings infrastructure and sanitation, as well as ecological protection around the villages are urgently needed.

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