There are five discernible phases in the evolution of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme for the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae) in Malaysia, namely: 1) Initial phase; 2) Intensification phase; 3) Crisis phase; 4) Disaster phase; and 5) IPM phase. This outline enables an understanding of the genesis of a farmer first approach to IPM. All five p...

This study examined the role of the state in providing veterinary services to resource-poor stock farmers. Communal stock farmers in most rural areas have low incomes and generally poor access to commercial veterinary healthcare. The state veterinary services thus offer a means for stock farmers to maintain the health of their livestock and receive information on animal healthcare. Interviews a...

This paper analyzes the interaction between farmer training in pest management and effects on acute pesticide poisoning and populations of beneficial insects in Nicaragua. Using farm level data from Nicaraguan bean growers, including graduates of Farmer Field Schools (FFS), other integrated pest management (IPM) outreach methods, and farmers without exposure to IPM, we found that small farmers ...

This study was carried out to identify agroeconomic factors on adoption integrated rice-fish farming by farmers. A survey was conducted using a stratified random sampling to collect data from farmers of selected villages in Guilan province, north of Iran. The questionnaire validity and reliability ware also determined to enhance the dependability of the result. Data were collected from 184 resp...

Organic agriculture is one of the most widely known alternative production systems advocated for its benefits to soil, environment, health and economic well-being of farming communities. Rapid increase in the market demand for organic products presents a remarkable opportunity for expansion of organic agriculture. A thorough understanding of the context specific motivations of farmers for adopt...

Pesticide use in modern day agriculture has increased tremendously. Pesticides are used to control pests and weeds, as well as protect crops from postharvest losses; however, their effects on humans and the environment cannot be overstated. This study examined pesticide acquisition, handling, and use among 120 farmers within the catchment of a small urban irrigation scheme. Also, in-depth inter...

A number of farmer-led approaches to technology transfer have emerged in recent times to replace the largely discredited Transfer of Technology (TOT) and Training and Visit (T&V) models of agricultural extension. One such initiative is the Farmer Field School (FFS), an experiential learning approach originally developed in Southeast Asia for the integrated management of rice pests but adaptable...

The Farmer Field School (FFS) is an intensive training program providing farmers with science based knowledge and practices, including integrated pest management (IPM). Recently there has been intensive debate as to whether or not this kind of training has any significant impact. Most case studies argue that the impact, in terms of a farmer’s ability to reduce the use or pesticides while increa...