An investigation of pesticide practices in rural Indonesia

Fotarisman Zaluchu; Novi Fitriani Nazara

doi:10.15566/cjgh.v12i2.415

An investigation of pesticide practices in rural Indonesia

Christian Journal for Global Health

Volume 12 (2025): Issue 2

By: Fotarisman Zaluchu and Novi Fitriani Nazara

Open Access

|Aug 2025

Abstract

Objectives: This research aims to understand local perceptions regarding pesticide usage.

Methods: Interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and live experiences were conducted with farmers in the Karo Regency, Indonesia. Six farmers, one FGD group, as well as pesticide vendors and staff from the Department of Agriculture, were interviewed.

Results: Local perceptions heavily influence pesticide usage. Pesticides are considered irreplaceable medicine with no alternative options. Health risks, if perceived, are addressed through local traditions. Pesticides and farmers have formed a close relationship, wherein farmers cannot detach themselves from their dependency on pesticides.

Conclusions: There is a need for a more thorough assessment to make farmers more mindful in pesticide usage.

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Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15566/cjgh.v12i2.415 | Journal eISSN: 2167-2415

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Language: English

Page range: 60 - 66

Submitted on: Jan 7, 2025

Accepted on: Jun 7, 2025

Published on: Aug 29, 2025

Published by: Global Health Institute at William Carey International University

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Keywords:

farmers,

norms,

Indonesia

© 2025 Fotarisman Zaluchu, Novi Fitriani Nazara, published by Global Health Institute at William Carey International University
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Volume 12 (2025): Issue 2