Perception of agronomy students on agrochemical pollution
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Abstract
This research involves an interdisciplinary study on the perception of agrochemical pollution in students from six Mexican universities enrolled in agronomic science engineering programs and related areas, such as agroecology, agroforestry engineering, and innovation for sustainable agriculture. The research method is mixed with an exploratory approach; data were collected in an online questionnaire, measuring attitudes, values, and actions related to the use of agrochemicals, as well as a self-assessment knowledge test about pesticides, fertilizers, and their effects on the environment and human health. The theoretical approach emerges from environmental psychology, agroecology, and environmental education. A theoretical model is proposed to explore the formation of mental models and beliefs about sustainable agricultural systems, and recommendations are made for optimizing agronomic science engineering programs with a focus on sustainability. The results show a high level of environmental awareness in students, a low perception of social norms for environmental conservation, and the perception of agrochemicals as essential for production, representing a cognitive barrier to implementing sustainable agricultural strategies.
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