Socio-Demography, Pesticides Use, and Health Status of Rice Farmers in Region XII, Mindanao, Philippines

The socio-demographic characteristics, pesticides use and health status of 300 rice farmers from Region 12 in the Philippines in 2015 were assessed. Likewise, the influence of the socio-demographic characteristics on the farmers’ pesticides use and health status was determined. This was done to describe the current well-being of farmers as basis for recommending strategies to improve their farming practices and health condition. Farmers were middle adults (60.6%), married (83.7%), had secondary education (50.7%), with household size of 1-4 members (62.7%), mostly non-owners (63.3%) of less than 3 hectares of land (91.7%), with total annual income of less than P101,000.00 (69.3%), nearly one third had more than 11 years farming and pesticides application experience and had availed at least one training on rice production for the last five years. Nearly 75% had health insurance. The socio-demographic characteristics did not influence significantly the pesticides use as to frequency and quantity of application and health status of the farmers. Age, however, is found a significant predictor of pesticides use as to frequency of application while civil status and farm ownership are the significant predictors of gaining normal health status as to Body Mass Index (BMI). Based on the findings, farmers still need more trainings on proper pesticides use and other farm technology options to keep their health protected and earn better profits from farming.