Integrated Pest Management and African Agriculture

摘要

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an approach which combines different pestcontrol techniques and integrates them into the overall farming system. It relies on host plant resistance, biological control and cultural practices, with pesticides introduced only when these non-chemical control methods fail to maintain pest populations below economically damaging levels. The study shows the relevance of the IPM approach for African agriculture by giving an account of the rationale and historical development of IPM, as well as an overview of pest management issues in Africa. Three types of common African cropping situations are examined: subsistence farming; production based on high levels of external inputs including pesticides; and systems in the process of intensification. The study then examines 11 current IPM projects in Africa to determine how the IPM approach might best be applied, developed, and implemented. The analysis focuses on socio-economic, political, and technical factors which determine the appropriate elements of an IPM program and the degree to which it becomes adopted by crop protection agencies and farmers. Based on the case studies, the paper presents recommendations relating to research, extension, farmer training and organization, infrastructure, communication, and agricultural and economic policies to promote the development and adoption of the IPM approach in Africa.