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Pesticide Application in Trinidadian Food Supply Chain: Food Safety and Sustainability Implications

G Kathiravan1 * and Brent Norris Georges2

1 Department of Animal Husbandry Statistics and Computer Applications, Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu India

2 Department. of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Food and Agriculture, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad

Corresponding author Email: drkathir@tanuvas.org.in

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.12944/CWE.18.3.08

The use of pesticides, although ensures crop protection and enables to achieve food security, often causes negative externalities for both human and the environment. This study sought to identify the factors that influence pesticide application in Trinidad, a major CARICOM nation, by conducting structured interviews with 174 farmers in eight municipal counties. The data were analysed using Ordered Probit Model. While gender and age showed no significant impact on pesticide use frequency, farm size and experience influenced application behaviours. Larger farms and experienced farmers displayed distinct patterns, calling for customized interventions. Notably, secondary and collegiate education was linked to reduced pesticide use, aligning with sustainability goals. Crop-specific trends were seen with an increase in the use of pesticides in the Solanaceae crop and leafy vegetables, underscoring the need for tailored approaches. Insect and weed issues had a limited impact, however, management of crop diseases was essential in reducing pesticide use. This study emphasizes the need for multi-disciplinary interventions that take into account the size of the farm, the level of experience, the level of education, and the types of crops grown in Trinidad, to promote the sustainable use of pesticides in agriculture. Such comprehensive strategies are essential for enhancing food safety and long-term sustainability of the Trinidad food supply chain, while also mitigating the negative externalities of pesticide application.

Crop Protection; Farmer attitudes; Food supply chain; Ordered Probit Model; Pesticides; Sustainable farming; Trinidad

Copy the following to cite this article:

Kathiravan G, Georges B. N. Pesticide Application in Trinidadian Food Supply Chain: Food Safety and Sustainability Implications. Curr World Environ 2023;18(3). DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.12944/CWE.18.3.08

Copy the following to cite this URL:

Kathiravan G, Georges B. N. Pesticide Application in Trinidadian Food Supply Chain: Food Safety and Sustainability Implications. Curr World Environ 2023;18(3).

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