Pesticide Policies in Developing Countries. Do They Encourage Excessive Use

摘要

Agricultural pests and diseases increased with the intensification ofagricultural production, resulting in a worldwide increase in pesticide use. The rate of increase was greatest in the developing countries, although the bulk of pesticides is till used in the developed countries. Little was known than about their adverse, even dangerous, side-effects and externalities on human welfare and the environment. When problems associated with pesticide use became obvious and critical, research on alternative methods of pest management was speeded up and has yielded a new approach to pest control, the integrated pest management (IPM) concept which combines several pest control techniques, including adapted crop management practices, and biological, mechanical and chemical pest control measures. By using non-chemical as well as chemical control measures, IPM reduces the extent of use of pesticides. However, although IPM has proved to be successful in several instances and in different areas of the world, it has not been widely adopted by farmers in developing countries. (Copyright (c) 1994 The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/The World Bank.)