Good practices of labor welfare and environmental protection in potato crops in Colombia: A way to contribute to the sustainable development of Colombian agriculture

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to investigate the labor and environmental risks that exist in potato crops in an agricultural area of Colombia and to propose good labor and environmental welfare practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted through the combination of quantitative and qualitative research approaches, applying pragmatic techniques and tools such as direct observation by field journal, questionnaire survey, checklist of working conditions and a specific methodology for the risk assessment.

Findings

It is identified that the production practices carried out by the cultivators studied are rudimentary, that the agrochemicals used affect the health and safety of the farmers and their families, constituting high-risk products for people and the environment. On the other hand, it is established that the training and qualification of workers is low, they do not use protection elements, or they are not adequate, representing a considerable degree of vulnerability.

Originality/value

With the findings of this research it is expected to improve the working conditions of potato growers and sustainability of agricultural processes in the area, whose results will also be very useful for the analysis of the issue throughout the agricultural sector in general, at a national or international level. Contributing in the same way to the fulfillment of the goals of the sustainable development goals.

Citation

Aguilar Olivera, A.A. and Salas Suárez, S.T. (2021), "Good practices of labor welfare and environmental protection in potato crops in Colombia: A way to contribute to the sustainable development of Colombian agriculture", Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, Vol. 10 No. 1, pp. 51-66. https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-08-2019-0104