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to risk crop damage. Close involvement of extension workers with both
farmers and researchers to identify farmers' knowledge and practices and to
assist in the training of farmers in the new approaches is essential. Unfortunately,
extension workers are often much more knowledgeable about chemical
pest-control techniques than they are of the alternatives. Considerable training
of extension agents is needed.
Although emphasis should be on the development and application of alternative
methods, there is also a need to influence policymakers. In many countries,
this will involve studies of the health and environmental consequences
and costs of current chemical pesticide use to convince national policymakers
of the need for regulation, enforcement, and research on alternatives. In
addition, pressure must be exerted on national governments and international
pesticide manufacturers to ensure that:
Pesticides banned in developed countries are not "dumped" in developing
countries;
Pesticide-safety standards are designed for the realities of the tropics;
and
Pesticides are not promoted (through development projects or pesticide
manufacturers) in developing countries where they are not needed.
This pressure will have to be exerted by NGOs in both developing and
developed countries.
As chemical insecticide use will continue and indeed expand in developing
countries in the near future, there is also a continuing need for programs to
develop safer methods for pesticide storage and application. These should
include better container design, better labeling (in local languages), safer
sprayers, and suitable clothing to minimize exposure. Training in the safe use
of pesticides for both extension agents and applicators will continue to be
essential.
To accomplish these aims, there is an increased need for regional and international
cooperation and networking This will involve donors and international
and national agricultural research centres. IDRC is currently involved with a
group of other donors to explore ways to increase support for 1PM. However,
the developing-country researchers themselves must solve their countries'
pest-management problems. It is to them that IDRC must continue to direct
support for training, networking, and research.
Adalla, C. 1990. 1PM, women and extension: final report for phase I submitted to
the International Development Research Centre, Ottawa. Department of Entomology,
University of the Philippines, Los Baflos, Philippines.
Bottrell, D.C. 1987. Applications and problems of integrated pest management in
the tropics. Journal of Plant Protection in the Tropics, 4(1), 1-8.
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