Determinants of perceived agricultural chemical risk in three watersheds in the Midwestern United States.

摘要

This paper reports findings from a study of 1011 farm operators in 3 Midwestern watersheds in Ohio, Iowa, and Minnesota to assess their perceptions of risk associated with use of agricultural chemicals. A theoretical model developed from componentsof social learning, risk perception, and farm structure theories is used to identify predictors of agricultural chemical risk. Findings show that farmers in the 3 watersheds do not view agricultural chemical use as a serious health or environmental hazard. Regression findings provide partial support for the theoretical model. The statistical models explained from 30 to 37% of the variance in farmers' risk perceptions in the 3 study watersheds. Findings are discussed in the context of developing future education/information programmes in the 3 watersheds.