Hi all,
Understanding and lowering pesticide-related risks is critical to safeguarding human health, conserving ecosystems, and maintaining long-term food security. Although it is commonly thought that high pesticide use is attributed to a lack of knowledge, there is plenty of research suggesting that awareness of pesticide risks is already high (Sabran and Abas, 2021; Wang et al., 2017; Yang et al., 2014; Macharia et al., 2013). Unfortunately, unsafe practices continue, indicating that knowledge alone is not enough to drive change.
The Ukulima True campaign in Kenya promoted safer farming practices within the agricultural community. More specifically, the campaign aimed to mitigate pesticide-related risks by not only disseminating behaviorally-informed messages but also by providing practical training on responsible pesticide use. Peer-to-peer training sessions were conducted and led by trusted community members, such as lead farmers. They taught practical, interpersonal sessions that were particularly useful for farmers who lacked access to mass media. Over 6 months, 30 trained lead farmers delivered 217 peer sessions, each lasting at least 1 hour and covering core topics, such as pest prevention, safe pesticide use and handling, and post-spraying practices. In total, 1194 farmers participated in these interactive sessions.
In addition to the training sessions and use of mass media, the campaign also analyzed prevailing social norms and beliefs around pesticide use. The campaign organizers identified culturally embedded behaviors and attitudes that either impeded or supported safe practices. To change these norms, Ukulima True organized and led field days and large-scale community gatherings that created open spaces for dialogue and learning about pesticide safety. The campaign organizers also considered the broader regulatory environment that shapes pesticide access, use, and monitoring. They engaged with policymakers, county food safety committees, and regulatory bodies to push for stronger enforcement of pesticide regulations, more support for training programs, and increased access to safer alternatives such as biopesticides. These efforts facilitated a more supportive environment for lasting behavior change.
Results? Nearly 70% of farmers became aware of the campaign, with peer-to-peer learning and radio being the most influential communication channels. The campaign also led to significant behavior changes, with 86.4% of farmers engaging in at least three Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices and 85.7% consistently monitoring their fields for pests and diseases. Awareness of approved pesticides increased to 70%, and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while pesticides were being applied also improved, which reduced farmers' direct exposure to pesticides.
Though this campaign took place in Kenya, the behavior change strategies used apply to a Western context.
To read the full study, click here.
Understanding and lowering pesticide-related risks is critical to safeguarding human health, conserving ecosystems, and maintaining long-term food security. Although it is commonly thought that high pesticide use is attributed to a lack of knowledge, there is plenty of research suggesting that awareness of pesticide risks is already high (Sabran and Abas, 2021; Wang et al., 2017; Yang et al., 2014; Macharia et al., 2013). Unfortunately, unsafe practices continue, indicating that knowledge alone is not enough to drive change.
The Ukulima True campaign in Kenya promoted safer farming practices within the agricultural community. More specifically, the campaign aimed to mitigate pesticide-related risks by not only disseminating behaviorally-informed messages but also by providing practical training on responsible pesticide use. Peer-to-peer training sessions were conducted and led by trusted community members, such as lead farmers. They taught practical, interpersonal sessions that were particularly useful for farmers who lacked access to mass media. Over 6 months, 30 trained lead farmers delivered 217 peer sessions, each lasting at least 1 hour and covering core topics, such as pest prevention, safe pesticide use and handling, and post-spraying practices. In total, 1194 farmers participated in these interactive sessions.
In addition to the training sessions and use of mass media, the campaign also analyzed prevailing social norms and beliefs around pesticide use. The campaign organizers identified culturally embedded behaviors and attitudes that either impeded or supported safe practices. To change these norms, Ukulima True organized and led field days and large-scale community gatherings that created open spaces for dialogue and learning about pesticide safety. The campaign organizers also considered the broader regulatory environment that shapes pesticide access, use, and monitoring. They engaged with policymakers, county food safety committees, and regulatory bodies to push for stronger enforcement of pesticide regulations, more support for training programs, and increased access to safer alternatives such as biopesticides. These efforts facilitated a more supportive environment for lasting behavior change.
Results? Nearly 70% of farmers became aware of the campaign, with peer-to-peer learning and radio being the most influential communication channels. The campaign also led to significant behavior changes, with 86.4% of farmers engaging in at least three Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices and 85.7% consistently monitoring their fields for pests and diseases. Awareness of approved pesticides increased to 70%, and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while pesticides were being applied also improved, which reduced farmers' direct exposure to pesticides.
Though this campaign took place in Kenya, the behavior change strategies used apply to a Western context.
To read the full study, click here.
