scholarly journals Sustainable Pest Management through Improved Advice in Agricultural Extension

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (17) ◽  
pp. 6767
Author(s):  
Stefan Toepfer ◽  
Tao Zhang ◽  
Buyun Wang ◽  
Yan Qiao ◽  
Haomin Peng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pest Management ◽  
Plant Protection ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Agricultural Extension ◽  
Cultural Control ◽  
Montreal Protocol ◽  
Sustainable Pest Management ◽  
Extension Services ◽  
Pest Monitoring ◽  
Plant Clinics

This 5-year study addresses how improved quality of agricultural extension may lead to more sustainable pest management. We studied 112 agricultural extension workers trained as plant doctors under the Plantwise program in China. They run 70 plant clinics in Beijing, Guangxi, and Sichuan provinces. We analysed 47,156 recommendations issued by these plant doctors to 13,051 different growers between 2012 and 2017, and this for 250 different plant health problems on 91 crops. We also interviewed growers who had taken queries to plant clinics. On average, 86% of plant doctors provided comprehensive integrated pest management recommendations to the growers, with a 16% improvement in comprehensiveness over years. This most often included advice of synthetic pesticides (66%) with its frequency not much changing with time. In contrast, as a likely result of Plantwise interventions and China’s pesticide reduction policies, recommendations for biological control increased from 2% to 42%, pest monitoring by 8%, and cultural control by 11%. Recommendations of problematic plant protection agents as listed in the Montreal Protocol, Stockholm or Rotterdam convention, or as highly toxic under WHO’s toxicity classification were already rare in 2013 (1.9%) and nearly phased out by 2017 (0.2%). About 92% of growers implemented the advice, suggesting that agricultural extension services may contribute to changes in agricultural practices at scale. Further investment in such agricultural extension services may be warranted instead of phasing them out.

scholarly journals Evaluating farmers’ perception toward the effectiveness of agricultural extension services in Ghana and Zambia

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert Novas Somanje ◽  
Geetha Mohan ◽  
Osamu Saito
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Research ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Agricultural Extension ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Extension Services ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Access To Credit

Abstract Background In this study, we present the current situation and the role of agricultural extension services for farmers and indicates the potential solutions for the optimum effectiveness of these services. Thus, we investigate the vital determinants influencing the farmers’ attitudes toward using agricultural extension services in Ghana and Zambia. Methods In this study, we used a mixed-method research analysis of data from a household survey of 240 farmers and 8 key informant interviews in the Upper West Region of Ghana and the Southern Province of Zambia. Results The significant factors affecting the association of agricultural extension officers with farmers are regular meetings, demand for services and productivity, and the adoption rate of technology. Notably, approaches based on information communication technology indicators include owning cell phones; further, having radio access significantly affects agricultural practices. However, the role of gender, access to credit, and owning a television would influence food safety and nutrition. Conclusions Understanding the critical determinants will provide potential solutions to national agricultural research institutes, private research entities, and policymakers to scale-up the effectiveness of agricultural extension services, particularly in Ghana and Zambia.

scholarly journals Assessment of Agricultural Advisory Messages from Farmer-to-Farmer in Making a Case for Scaling Up Production: A Qualitative Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nana Afranaa Kwapong ◽  
Daniel Ankrah ◽  
Dominic Boateng-Gyambiby ◽  
Joseph Asenso-Agyemang ◽  
Lydia Oteng Fening
Keyword(s):  
Lived Experience ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Group Formation ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Agricultural Extension ◽  
Extension Agents ◽  
Extension Services ◽  
Study Approach

Inadequate access to agricultural extension services often results in poor farm practices, affecting yields and subsequently the income and wellbeing of smallholder farmers. Given the high demand for agricultural information and the limited capacity of extension services, a farmer-to-farmer extension approach has been explored by many underserved farmers. In this study, we use a qualitative case study approach explore how cassava farmers who had limited access to agricultural advisory services from public extension agents managed to up-scale their farming business. Our research question was: what lessons can be learned from the lived experience of these farmers to address current challenges of cassava farming? The results of our study revealed diversity in advisory messages from farmer to farmer and agricultural extension agents. Farmers’ messages focused on encouraging farmers’ commitment and motivation towards farming business, availability of needed financial resources for the entire production season, willingness to reinvest profits, and access to farmland for future expansion. In contrast, the traditional messages from agricultural extension agents focused on encouraging group formation to address marketing challenges, diversification of farm operations, and good agricultural practices. These results show the need for pluralistic extension approaches to ensure farmers get access to necessary information.

scholarly journals The brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Heteroptera): A new threat for hazelnut crops in Serbia

Biljni lekar ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (5) ◽  
pp. 488-502
Author(s):  
Aleksandar Ivezić
Keyword(s):  
Integrated Pest Management ◽  
Pest Management ◽  
Plant Protection ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Halyomorpha Halys ◽  
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug ◽  
Stink Bug ◽  
Larval Stages ◽  
Pest Monitoring

Hazelnut crops are damaged by various types of polyphagous true bugs. The most commonly encountered species are representatives of the families Coreidae and Pentatomidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) Recent invasion of the exotic brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) represents a serious threat in many agroecosystems in Europe. Following its first detection, H. halys has become a key pest in many hazelnut crops in Europe, causing damage throughout the entire period of nut and kernel development. The pest causes damage in adults and larval stages by sucking sap from practically all parts of plants. This bug is characterized by a distinct polyphagous behavior, so to date, more than 300 plant species have been identified as food hosts. Halyomorpha halys was first registered in Serbia in October 2015 in the region of Vršac. Detection of brown marmorated bug in hazelnut crops in Serbia calls for caution and requires systematic monitoring of this pest in order to determine an adequate strategy for plant protection and accurate timing of its control. In hazelnut crops, this bug causes damage by sucking juices from the husk, shell and kernel of the fruit, which significantly reduces the quality and market value of the hazelnut fruit. Management of the brown marmorated stink bug in agricultural settings has primarily relied on the use of broad-spectrum of insecticides. In the system of Integrated Pest Management, the control of H. halys is based on a strategy that implies a reduced and effective use of insecticides and a distinct knowledge of the biology and behavior of the pest. Monitoring insect populations is a fundamental component of Integrated Pest Management programs. In a perspective of reduction or avoidance of chemical treatments and preservation of a healthy agroecosystems, such as the, alternative pest management strategies in hazelnut orchards should be further developed. Moreover, as a long-term solution, biological control of H. halys with the natural enemy species, native or introduced, could play a major role in managing this pest, especially in organic farming systems.

Azinphos-methyl (AZM) phase-out: Actions and attitudes of apple growers in Washington State

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 276-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica R. Goldberger ◽  
Nadine Lehrer ◽  
Jay F. Brunner
Keyword(s):  
Pest Management ◽  
Agricultural Extension ◽  
Washington State ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Extension Services ◽  
Conventional Agriculture ◽  
Azinphos Methyl ◽  
Phase Out ◽  
Common Association ◽  
Reduced Risk

AbstractThe Environmental Protection Agency's phase-out of the pesticide azinphos-methyl (AZM) has encouraged the transition of apple pest management toward more environmentally and socially sustainable practices. This study reports on results of a 2009 survey of conventional apple growers in Washington State. Growers were asked about their approaches and attitudes toward the AZM phase-out and barriers to the adoption of reduced-risk insecticides (AZM-alternatives) as part of their integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Chi-square and analysis of variance (ANOVA) techniques were used to examine relationships between actions and attitudes toward the phase-out and grower characteristics. Results showed that Washington apple growers have begun eliminating AZM and adopting AZM-alternatives. However, larger growers (in terms of acreage and income) and growers more familiar with Washington State University's (WSU's) educational resources were more likely to have already reduced their AZM use. These results suggest that larger farms can play an important role in increasing the sustainability of conventional agriculture, despite a common association of sustainable agriculture with small farms. Results also suggest that agricultural extension services could be well served to extend their outreach to smaller growers and others lagging in the transition to more sustainable apple pest management.

Comparative Advantage of Using Biopesticides in Ukrainian Agroecosystems

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hasrat Arjjumend ◽  
Konstantia Koutouki ◽  
Olga Donets
Keyword(s):  
Shelf Life ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Plant Protection ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Soil Biology ◽  
Chemical Contamination ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Irreversible Damage

The use of unsustainable levels of chemical fertilizers and plant protection chemicals has resulted in a steady decline in soil and crop productivity the world over. Soil biology has undergone irreversible damage, coupled with a high concentration of toxic chemical residues in plant tissues and human bodies. Agricultural practices must evolve to sustainably meet the growing global demand for food without irreversibly damaging soil. Microbial biocontrol agents have tremendous potential to bring sustainability to agriculture in a way that is safe for the environment. Biopesticides do not kill non-target insects, and biosafety is ensured because biopesticides act as antidotes and do not lead to chemical contamination in the soil. This article is part of a larger study conducted in Ukraine by researchers at the Université de Montréal with the support of Mitacs and Earth Alive Clean Technologies. The responses of farmers who use biofertilizers (“user farmers”) and those who do not (“non-user farmers”), along with the responses of manufacturers or suppliers of biofertilizers, and research and development (R&D) scientists are captured to demonstrate the advantages of applying microbial biopesticides to field crops. Participants reported a 15-30% increase in yields and crop production after the application of biopesticides. With the use of biopesticides, farmers cultivated better quality fruits, grains, and tubers with a longer shelf life. Moreover, while the risk of crop loss remains high (60-70%) with chemically grown crops, this risk is reduced to 33% on average if crops are grown using biopesticides. The findings indicate that a large proportion of farmers would prefer to use biopesticides if they are effective and high quality products. In this context, the quality and effectiveness of products is therefore very important. Despite their benefits to soil, human health, and ecosystems, biopesticides face significant challenges and competition vis-à-vis synthetic pesticides for a variety of reasons. Therefore, the development of biopesticides must overcome the problems of poor quality products, short shelf life, delayed action, high market costs, and legal/registration issues.

scholarly journals Towards a Professionalism of Agricultural Extension: Key to Promoting Extension Effectiveness in Africa

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 81
Author(s):  
Robert Agunga ◽  
Ruth Sleshi ◽  
Rahwa Hassen
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Extension ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Slow Process ◽  
Collaborative Relationship ◽  
Extension Services ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Governmental Agencies ◽  
Communication For Development ◽  
Significant Extension ◽  
Local Farmers

A survey of a small sample of 123 extension workers in Ghana and Ethiopia may have revealed the key issue facing extension ineffectiveness in Africa—the paucity of extension training. Questions on job satisfaction showed that respondents were highly satisfied with: a) an opportunity to work in an area they are trained (N=88, 57%), b) level of education (N=75 (61%), c) enthusiasm towards their work (N=72 (58.5%), and d) opportunity to work with local farmers. However, they were highly dissatisfied with: a) their salaries (N=108 (87.8%), b) the process of decentralization (N=83 (75.6%), c) cooperation from non-governmental agencies (N=87 (70.7%), d) respect from peers in other sectors of government (N=83 (68.0%), e) training in development (N=79 (65.3%), and f) training in communication (N=65 (54.2%). We find their complaints on lack of or limited training in development and communication worthy to note because in the last 40 years extension performance has stressed facilitation among development partners. It can be argued, therefore, that the slow process of decentralization, the friction between extension workers and their NGO counterparts, and their inability to get along with their compatriots in other ministries can be traced to their limited or lack of training in development and communication, otherwise called “Communication for Development” (C4D). We conclude, therefore, that if extension workers are to be effective in their new role as development facilitators not only must their training in agriculture expand to include C4D but, equally significant, extension systems throughout the continent must operate as a profession. Therefore, the authors recommend the establishment of a professional association throughout Africa, under the rubric of “ExtensionAfrica,” which will address the need for extension effectiveness on the continent. We particularly recommend a collaborative relationship with the African Forum for Agricultural Services (AFAAS), which has a mandate for advising on extension services, to make this happen.

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