Eco-education and agroecology: community strategies for integrated pest management in an agricultural settlement

Abstract

This paper presents the implementation of an eco-educational model aimed at the agroecological management of insect pests in the "Nueva Venezuela" peasant settlement. Historically, conventional agriculture in the area has relied on toxic agrochemicals, generating severe socio-environmental damage. To counteract this problem, a mixed-methods research approach with a Participatory Action Research (PAR) design was structured. The qualitative phase included a socioenvironmental diagnosis and the execution of two training workshops ("Ecoeducation, a matter to learn" and "Agricultural Zoology from an Educational Dimension") based on social constructivism. Quantitatively, an agrodiversity inventory was developed, and the main arthropods causing biotic stress were identified: Atta sp. (leaf-cutter ants), Bemisia tabaci (whitefly), and Aphis sp. (aphids). The results demonstrated a profound attitudinal change in the agricultural producers, who transitioned from a chemical eradication model to a sustainable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. Through the dialogue of knowledge, the community adopted ecological strategies such as the use of living fences, sticky traps, botanical biopreparations (Azadirachta indica extract), and alternative hosts to promote natural biological control. It is concluded that ecoeducation is a highly effective socio-pedagogical tool for empowering the peasant community. By strengthening the biodiversity of the agroecosystem, it is possible to regulate insect pest populations below the economic injury level, improving the community's quality of life and ensuring productive sustainability.