Wilson, C. and Tisdell, C. (2001) Analysis why farmers continue to use pesticides despite environmental,health and sustainability costs. Ecological Economics, 39. pp. 449-462.
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Abstract
Use of chemical inputs such as pesticides has increased agricultural production and productivity. However, negative externalities from such use have increased too. These externalities include damage to agricultural land, fisheries, fauna and flora. Another major externality is the unintentional destruction of beneficial predators of pests thereby increasing the virulence of many species of agricultural pests. Furthermore, increased mortality and morbidity of humans due to exposure to pesticides are recorded especially in developing countries. The costs from these externalities are large and affect farmers’ returns. However, despite these high costs, farmers continue to use pesticides and in most countries in increasing quantities. In this paper, we examine this paradox and show why farmers continue to use pesticides despite the increasing costs. We also emphasize ‘lock-in’ aspects of pesticide use.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Pesticides; Agriculture; Environment; Human health; Sustainability; Hysteresis |
| Author Affiliation: | School of Economics, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia |
| Subjects: | Plant Production |
| Divisions: | General |
| Depositing User: | Mr T L Gautham |
| Date Deposited: | 08 May 2018 06:04 |
| Last Modified: | 08 May 2018 06:05 |
| URI: | http://eprints.icrisat.ac.in/id/eprint/15407 |
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