The challenge of pesticide education and training for tropical smallholders

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Abstract
Increased use of pesticides forecast for smallholder farmers in the tropics, and pressure for the wider adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) will make greater demands on the private and public sectors’ ability to design and implement effective, farm‐level education and training programmes. Without implementing education and training programmes to support appropriate safe and effective use of pesticides, standards in pesticide use will not improve, and IPM will not become a reality. This is recognized by the FAO and GIFAP. For greatest impact, education and training priorities should be derived from base‐line surveys of target smallholder populations, and programmes tailored to local circumstances. Simple multi‐media education techniques should be integrated with direct and indirect training schemes. Pesticide company labels, on‐pack leaflets, posters and training activities have an important contribution to make. Programmes should be properly managed and appropriately funded. More resources will be required for pesticide education and training in the 1990s, from national and international funds. Collaborative private and public sector projects are required for greatest impact, and should be actively sought by both sides.

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