Do Farmers Understand the Meaning of Toxicity Color Codes of Pesticide Containers?

OBJECTIVES: Toxicity color codes on pesticide containers communicate the risk between manufacturers and farmers; however, their effectiveness in developing countries, like Nepal, remains understudied. This study thus aimed to identify factors influencing farmers' understanding and their correct interpretation of the toxicity color codes. METHODS: Survey data from 270 households in Kavrepalanchok district, Nepal, was used, where respondents were primary pesticide applicators. Probit regression was run separately to identify the factors influencing (1) the understanding of the meaning of toxicity color codes for the whole sample and (2) correct interpretation of the least toxic color code as green for the sub-sample who responded "YES" to the first question. Finally, ordered probit regression identified factors influencing (3) toxicity color code literacy: illiteracy, partial literacy, or full literacy. RESULTS: = .005) correctly interpreted the least toxic color code as green, highlighting the need for inclusive education-based interventions in risk communication. CONCLUSION: The results show a distinction between self-reported farmers' understanding of toxicity color codes on pesticide containers and their correct interpretation. We suggest that risk communication interventions be redesigned to improve visual literacy and that gender-sensitive training be included to enhance literacy.