Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Orchardists in Amol County Regarding Agricultural Pesticides and Their Adverse Effects

Background: Global population growth has increased the demand for agricultural productivity and food security. In many countries, particularly developing regions, chemical pesticides remain the primary means of crop protection. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of orchardists in Amol County, Mazandaran Province, Iran, regarding chemical pesticides usage and their associated risks to human health and environmental sustainability. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in spring ۲۰۲۴ among orchardists in Amol County, selected via cluster sampling. Data were collected using a structured KAP questionnaire, partially derived from validated instruments in related studies. Results: The mean ± SD scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were ۹.۹۱ ± ۲.۸۸ (out of ۱۵), ۱۵ ± ۳.۰۷ (out of ۲۰), and ۱۲.۳۰ ± ۳.۵۳ (out of ۲۰), respectively. Significant correlations were observed between knowledge and attitude (p < ۰.۰۵) and attitude and practice (p < ۰.۰۵). Education level had a significant effect on all three KAP domains (p < ۰.۰۵). Farmers with higher education levels demonstrated better knowledge, attitudes, and safer practices compared to less-educated or illiterate participants. Notably, only ۱۴.۳% of respondents reported consulting agricultural extension services during their farming activities, while ۸۵.۷% relied on self-directed pesticide management, including procurement and dosage determination. Conclusion: The findings highlight gaps in pesticide safety awareness and regulatory compliance among orchardists, underscoring the need for targeted educational interventions and enhanced extension services to mitigate health and environmental risks.

کلیدواژه ها:

Pesticides ، Orchard Management ، Sustainable Agriculture ، Knowledge ، Attitude ، Practice