Communication related to pesticides use in a rural area of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil]

OBJECTIVE: To assess communications aspects related to pesticide use in a rural area of the Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. METHODS: The study was carried out in the area of S?o Louren?o stream. It was based on methodological triangulation comprising: semi-structured interviews and observation of a local population sample (about 600 inhabitants); structured questionnaire to collect data on the local community; and records of lectures given by argonomic engineers, pesticides traders and other public service professionals. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: This study pointed out to the historical misinformation on pesticides in rural areas; the emphasis on technical language in educational and training activities available which constitutes a barrier for rural workers knowledge acquisition and empowerment; and the industry/commerce's pressure to legitimate pesticide trading, reinforcing the existing communication process, resulting in unfavorable inclusion of the rural worker into a broader market economy.