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Lessons learned: geographic information systems and farmworkers in the Lake States
M S Vela Acosta1, D J Reding, S P Cooper
1Division of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Texas-Houston, School of Public Health at Brownsville, Brownsville, Texas 78520, USA. msvela@utb.edu
Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health
|March 24, 2005
Summary
A new geographical information system (GIS) database was developed to help agencies better serve migrant and seasonal farmworkers in the Lake States by organizing crucial data. This tool provides a unique clearinghouse for farmworker demographics, health, and housing information.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Agricultural Health
Background:
- Migrant and seasonal farmworkers in the Lake States (Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota) face challenges due to inadequate data access.
- An estimated 42,000 to 137,000 farmworkers require services in this region.
- Existing data is fragmented, hindering effective service provision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a GIS database for compiling and displaying farmworker data in the Lake States.
- To create a centralized resource for agencies serving the farmworker population.
- To assess the utility and accessibility of the GIS product for stakeholders.
Main Methods:
- A three-step study involving a needs assessment, GIS product development, and expert evaluation.
- Data was compiled from state agencies and shared by service agencies.
- An advisory board of occupational health and safety representatives evaluated the GIS product's appropriateness, applications, and usability.
Main Results:
- A GIS product was created, comprising a CD-ROM with graphical data and downloadable spreadsheets.
- The database includes consolidated county-level information on demographics, crops, housing, and migrant health clinics.
- Evaluators recognized the GIS product as an accessible and unique clearinghouse for farmworker data.
Conclusions:
- The GIS product is a valuable tool for agencies and researchers focused on farmworker issues.
- A multi-agency partnership utilizing GIS technology can create comprehensive databases for tracking and serving farmworkers.
- Further research with refined definitions and resources is needed to optimize the application of the GIS product.