Grant: Doctoral: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Global agricultural systems are now highly interconnected. Purchases made by people in high-income countries may have an impact on the wellbeing of marginalized communities elsewhere. Chemical pollution is one of the paths illustrating this connection, as growing demand for imported agricultural goods may increase the exposure to pesticides, and the risk of developing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), among populations in the proximity of agricultural crops. Ecuador is the world's third-largest flower exporter, an industry that relies heavily on pesticide use. About half of flower farms in Ecuador are located next to Indigenous Cayambe territory, and this community has been struggling for their health and food sovereignty. Cayambe people may be at higher risk of developing NCDs, due to weak pesticide risk management and inadequate access to health care in the region. Moreover, underlying factors, such as poor nutrition and compromised immune systems, increase the risk of developing NCDs when exposed to pesticides. Though this situation raises concerns, few studies address this issue in the region and in low-income countries. The Cayambe community has raised concerns about excessive pesticide use in the region and its local government is committed to reducing exposures. Based on a long-term collaboration with Universidad Andina Simón Bolivar, and Cayambe authorities, we have a unique opportunity of working together to disentangle major sources of pesticide contamination. We will measure levels of pesticide contamination in mothers and children, risk perceptions of pesticide use, and health-related variables. Using maps generated by a drone, we will compare these variables with living and working places. This study will allow us to identify high risk areas of contamination and paths of exposure. It will also enable us to evaluate strategies to reduce environmental and human health degradation, and build healthier alternatives that could be applied to other settings.