REUSE OF AGROCHEMICAL CONTAINERS AS A SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE AND AN ECONOMIC INCENTIVE FOR RURAL FARMERS IN VENEZUELA

Abstract

This work was developed with the objective of proposing a plan for the collection and return of pesticide containers as an economic incentive and pollutant reduction in the producers of the Sara Linda sector, Rafael Rangel municipality, Trujillo state, Venezuela, using qualitative methodology, field design, direct observations and semi-structured interviews with 20 farmers and 6 pesticide commercialization companies, the data were validated and analyzed by means of the Cron Bach Alpha coefficient. As a result, 80% responded not to return the containers in violation of their legal obligations; 90% of the farmers are interested in organizing and receiving training in the management of pesticides and recycling; 50% of the businessmen expressed their willingness to support the farmers in the reception and filling of containers, as well as the incentive for greater use of organic fertilizer. It was concluded that there is an urgent need to act in the agricultural areas with the greatest impact of contamination by these chemical products, where 90% of the farmers burn the containers in the field or throw them anywhere in the cultivated area, mainly due to the lack of control. This study projects a high sensibility and environmental concern, motivating participation and team work for actions of sustainable character, which strengthens ecological values contributing to the release of local endogenous potential, calling the municipal public power to get more involved in environmental issues, thus supporting the proposals and projects of waste management in the most vulnerable localities.