Sustainable agriculture and responsible use of pesticides: commercial crop cultivators’ knowledge, attitudes, and practice perspectives regarding pesticide use

Smallholder vegetable farmers in the central highlands of Sri Lanka exhibit significant deficiencies in informedness regarding responsible pesticide use, primarily due to moderate knowledge levels and misconceptions about protective practices. Despite a reliance on pesticides as a means to increase crop yields, constraints such as limited access to information hinder their awareness. The study found that while knowledge and practice are significantly associated with informedness, attitudes do not play a significant role. Notably, men and younger farmers demonstrate higher levels of awareness compared to other demographic groups. Targeted efforts to enhance knowledge and correct misconceptions could improve farmers' informedness and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Udayanga, S., Bellanthudawa, B. K. A., & De Zoysa, H. L. S. (2024). Sustainable agriculture and responsible use of pesticides: commercial crop cultivators’ knowledge, attitudes, and practice perspectives regarding pesticide use. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2024.1490110