Pesticides and Global Health: Understanding Agrochemical Dependence and Investing in Sustainable Solutions (Anthropology and Global Public Health) (Volume 1)

"This concise, accessible introduction to understanding agricultural chemicals and public health combines a broad synthesis on a global scale with rich ethnographic narratives on a human scale. Drawing on epidemiology, policy analysis, and social science research on the global commodity chain, the authors describe the system of global agrochemical dependence that constitutes a major threat to human health. Then they draw readers into the lush mountainsides of highland Guatemala, telling personal stories of farmers, their experiences with public health programs, their struggles against agrichemical dependence, and their innovations in sustainable agriculture. Finally, they show how this kind of qualitative, multi-level analysis holds practical lessons for public health. This engaging, brief text is an ideal supplement for courses in global health, introducing students to key concepts with broad coverage and engrossing ethnographic detail"-- Provided by publisher This Concise, Accessible Introduction To Understanding Agricultural Chemicals And Public Health Combines A Broad Synthesis On A Global Scale With Rich Ethnographic Narratives On A Human Scale. Drawing On Epidemiology, Policy Analysis, And Social Science Research On The Global Commodity Chain, The Authors Describe The System Of Global Agrochemical Dependence That Constitutes A Major Threat To Human Health. Then They Draw Readers Into The Lush Mountainsides Of Highland Guatemala, Telling Personal Stories Of Farmers, Their Experiences With Public Health Programs, Their Struggles Against Agrochemical Dependence, And Their Innovations In Sustainable Agriculture. Finally, They Show How This Kind Of Qualitative, Multi-level Analysis Holds Practical Lessons For Public Health. This Engaging, Brief Text Is An Ideal Supplement For Courses In Global Health, Introducing Students To Key Concepts With Broad Coverage And Engrossing Ethnographic Detail-- Global Agricultural Markets And Standardization -- Public Health And Vulnerable Populations -- A Community Torn : Struggling To Rectify Agrochemical Hazards And The Immediate Needs Treadmill -- Change Comes To The Valley : Confronting Agrochemical Use With Local Organic Food Systems -- Conclusion : Program Recommendations And The Application Of Ethnographic Research In Public Health Initiatives. Courtney Marie Dowdall And Ryan J. Klotz. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Cover 1 Half Title 2 Title Page 4 Copyright Page 5 Contents 6 Preface 8 Introduction 12 Chapter 1 Global Agricultural Markets and Standardization 20 Chapter 2 Public Health and Vulnerable Populations 44 Chapter 3 A Community Torn: Struggling to Rectify Agrochemical Hazards and the Immediate Needs Treadmill 62 Chapter 4 Change Comes to the Valley: Confronting Agrochemical Use with Local Organic Food Systems 92 Chapter 5 Conclusion: Program Recommendations and the Application of Ethnographic Research in Public Health Initiatives 120 References 132 Index 144 Understanding Agrochemical Dependence and Investing in Sustainable Solutions