WEAI/AERE 2012 - Individual Paper Abstract
Title: Information and Agricultural Health: The Role of Information in Reducing Farmer's Pesticide Exposure
Author(s): Shamma ALAM and Hendrik Wolff, Department of Economics, University of Washington, Savery Hall, Box 353300, Seattle, WA 98195, USA, 206-327-5465, salam at uw dot edu [Photo credit: Reuters]
Abstract:
Although the literature shows the impact of different factors on pesticide use and exposure, no prior study shows the influence of different information sources. In this paper we show the impact of different information sources on the health and precautionary behavior of farmers in the context of Bangladesh. According to traditional belief in Bangladesh, pesticide sellers are thought to misguide farmers in their pesticide use. However, we provide evidence that information from pesticide sellers actually leads to an improved precautionary behavior during pesticide use and reduced likelihood of exposure. We also find that information from agriculture ministry officials, thought to be the most credible information source, seems to have no impact on precautionary behavior or health. Among other results, we also find trained relatives, local farmers, and reading labels on pesticide bottle have a positive impact on precautionary behavior and pesticide exposure.