Farm Safety Behaviors of Farmers in Izmir and Manisa Provinces in Turkey

Abstract

Due to natural structure, production systems, and farmer behaviors, agriculture is one of the most dangerous sectors. This research has aimed at determining the safety behaviors of farmers in the production process. The research data was collected from 282 farmers in 18 villages of six counties in Izmir and Manisa Provinces via the questionnaire form. The farmers are averagely 54 years old, 6.8 yearly educated and cultivating 10.3-hectare lands. The farmers have limited knowledge about farm safety applications and the subject has low priority in the region. The common health problems exposed by the farmers are back and muscle pains, and sunstrokes during the production activities. While 10% of the farmers had tractor accidents and poisoning cases, 6.4% of farmers have encountered with injury or disability during agricultural activities. The safety objectives must take place in the extension programs for the adoption of farm safety practices in agriculture. The experts on safety must be employed in extension services for preparing and conducting the programs. The demonstrative farms can be set up in the rural areas for introducing the correct applications to the farmers. At the local level, crop/livestock-oriented courses on farm safety principles can behold and the adopter farms can be declared as “safety” by giving a certificate. It is thought that the adoption of safety practices in agriculture will lead to an increase in awareness in rural areas and will have a positive impact on product quality, consumer health, and environment-friendly sensitivity as well as farmer health in the production process.