Challenges of integrated pest management in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

As a response to the negative side effects of chemical control in the developed world, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) developed with an emphasis on reducing the role of pesticides. Later the role of natural enemies was recognized as being the cornerstone for sustainable pest management strategies. The IPM concept initially stressed the combination of control tactics while afterwards the empowerment of farmers in managing their own agro-ecosystems became the focus. Reasons are given why integrated pest management has been instrumental in making the Farmer Field School (FFS) prominent in sectors such as nutrient management, animal husbandry and health. FAO started with an IPM project in subsistence crops in Africa, but because of its low impact on farmers' livelihoods changed to crops with a higher consumption of pesticides such as cotton and rice. Some pests like locusts require the attention of the central government. The multiple dimensions of desert locust problems are highlighted, and the realization that its solution is more operational than technical. Invasive pests are a continuous threat, and classical biological attempts have been highly successful. Some examples of technical IPM components such as varietal resistance, the judicious use of chemicals, agronomic practices, and biological control are given. However, it appeared that the adoption rate by farmers of proposed technologies is low. It is argued that farmers face very small windows of opportunities. Therefore, institutional development needs as much attention as technological improvement. A number of examples are given to illustrate this point.