Can we make IPM work for resource-poor farmers in sub-Saharan Africa?

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Abstract
Most farmers in sub-Saharan Africa are resource-poor in terms of access to natural resources, credit, information and external inputs. In traditional cropping systems, crop protection is based on a combination of techniques to constrain pest development: IPM 'avant la lettre'. Resource-poor farmers are experimenters and inventors, who learn and generate their own technology. Their agricultural practices are often very well adapted to the agro-ecological and socio-economic conditions, and farming systems are flexible and responsive to all kinds ofrisks, including those ofpests. These low-externalinput systems often operate near the optimum, but generally do not produce high yields. To increase yields and reduce crop losses, agricultural development programmes have been launched. Subsidized pesticides were made easily available and have been a major factor in disrupting traditional pest management practices. The technology transfer model has been used, based on results of formal research which did not take very much into consideration the typical agro-ecological, human health, environmental and social aspects of low external input systems. A more integrated, site-specific approach to development is necessary to solve the many problems related to sustainability in agriculture. The original concept of IPM emerged in response to the negative consequences of chemical pest management in high external-input agriculture. However, for resource-poor farmers, IPM should be considered a methodology for arriving at appropriate pest management systems using participatory methods in problem definition and technology development. The informal research and development capacity in Africa should be the basis for a resource-poor farmer Green Revolution 'from within'. This approach of stimulating the farmer to become an experimenter and a generator of technology goes against most of the current thinking on agricultural policy, research and extension, but it is in our opinion the only way to achieve the full potential of IPM in Africa.

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