Perceptions of the beneficial and harmful effects of pesticides among Iranian rice farmers influence the adoption of biological control

- Farmers' perceptions of positive and negative effects of pesticides were surveyed.
- How these perceptions influence the adoption of biological control was assessed.
- Most farmers were well aware of both positive and negative effects of pesticides.
- Most farmers were in favor of the adoption of practices of biological pest control.
- Recognition of pesticide negative effects led to support of biological pest control.

Perceptions of the pros (beneficial effects) and cons (harmful effects) of pesticides influence patterns of pesticide acceptance and use among farmers in developing countries. However, perceptions about pesticide effects can vary greatly among farmers and thus continuous research is always useful for developing effective intervention initiatives. A survey of 331 randomly selected rice farmers was carried out in Mazandaran province of northern Iran to study perceptions of the pros and cons of pesticides and to assess how these perceptions influence the adoption of biological control (BC) among farmers in the area. Most farmers were well aware of both pesticide effects, with slightly lower perception levels about pros than cons. The high risk of pesticides to human health was perceived as the most severe negative effect, whereas the boost of crop productivity with pesticides was the most frequent perceived beneficial effect. Although implementation of BC in the study area was quite low, most farmers expressed confidence in BC and were in favor of its adoption. High levels of education and a tendency for own consumption of produce were associated with high awareness of both pesticide effects among farmers. High income, high rice grain yields, and intense use of pesticides were associated with positive perceptions about pesticides, whereas high farming experience was associated with negative perceptions about pesticides. Perceptions of the pros and cons of pesticides could predict support or rejection of BC among farmers. Well-educated and experienced farmers, farmers with frequent extension contacts and high share of family labor force in farming activities, as well as farmers who recognized that pesticide use has cons were more likely to support BC in their farms.