Social capital and health information in the context of small scale farmers' livelihoods

The study explores the relationship between social capital and health information among small-scale farmers in the context of their livelihoods. Having such information could promote the use of agriculture practices with fewer health impacts by reducing farmers' exposure to highly toxic pesticides. We implemented a longitudinal study design with measurements in July 2007 (T1) and February 2010 (T2), within 12 agricultural communities in Ecuador (n=208 farmers). The dependent variables were based on information regarding agricultural production practices, among them: integrated pest management (IPM) and pesticide toxicity. Independent variables included participation in organizations and social cohesion, among other aspects of social capital. Results suggest that health information is disseminated through structures of social capital, depending on its value of use in the context of the mode of production in which small scale agriculture is developed.