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Every year an estimated three million people are poisoned by pesticides worldwide, resulting in 250,000 deaths, the majority in economically depressed countries. Small farmers are the most exposed to pesticide poisoning due to poor knowledge and practices on proper application methods, so they tend to minimize the danger of these compounds. This study aimed to determine the factors that influence decision-making regarding the use, application, and storage of pesticides through the analysis of agricultural practices carried out by rice farmers. Based on the results, appropriate proposals were developed for handling pesticides. The study was carried out in the Macara canton, Loja province. Structured surveys were employed to target rice farmers who purchase, store, and apply pesticides. For the analysis, the farmers were grouped according to their years of experience, establishing two groups: less than 30 years and more than 30 years. Socioeconomic characteristics, safety practices and knowledge were analyzed: most used pesticides and the risk to health, safety during the application of pesticides and the risk due to the use of pesticides. Data were evaluated using frequencies and percentages. The results show that years of experience influence practices such as the reuse of empty containers and the application of highly toxic pesticides, among other practices. In addition, it was evidenced that the use of personal protective equipment in the two study groups was almost nil, limited mainly to the use of rubber boots.
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