Evaluación del manejo inadecuado de envases vacíos de productos de uso agrícola, implicaciones en la contaminación ambiental en el sector rural de San Gabriel, cantón Palanda

Abstract

Abstract: This research focuses on how farmers in the rural community of San Gabriel, Palanda canton, manage empty agrochemical containers. The objective of this research was to understand what they currently do with these containers, understand the risks this can pose to the environment and the health of local residents, and propose safer and more responsible ways to manage them. To this end, surveys were conducted among the community's farmers and selected farms were visited. It was found that many of these containers are not disposed of properly, which could affect the soil, water, and people. Based on this, measures such as educating both farmers and the community at large are suggested. This will improve the separate collection of empty agrochemical containers and allow for more organized and efficient work. The results obtained can inform future decision-making, both by institutions in the sector and by the community itself. This study seeks to contribute to the knowledge of farmers and the community in San Gabriel, to motivate them to practice more responsible and environmentally friendly agriculture.