The Technological Trajectory of Integrated Pest Management for Rice in Cambodia

Rica Flor,Kry Chhay,Vichet Sorn,Harro Maat,Buyung Hadi

doi:10.3390/su10061732

Abstract

For the past two decades, while the efficacy of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) has been successfully demonstrated in Cambodia, its dissemination and sustained adoption among farmers have not met similar success. This study moves away from simplistic analyses about constraints in extension methods for IPM. Instead, we take a broader look into technological systems and the trajectory for pest management, which affected the spread and uptake of IPM in the country. Through a review of the wider context in policies and programs, and a survey of farmers from five provinces in Cambodia (N = 400), we examined the connections between options for pest management at the farmer level and conditions in the technological system. Using the Cambodian case study, we show that the technological system predisposes to pesticide use and as such hinders a trajectory of IPM. Systemic conditions, including interrelated agronomic practices, ecological conditions in farming communities, governance mechanisms, structures around the spread of knowledge and the industry around the technological options, have created mutual socio-technical dependencies. Although programs targeted change through knowledge of IPM, much of the systemic conditions sustain the trajectory of pesticide reliance. Hence, promoting an innovation environment that is supportive of IPM requires extension beyond knowledge dissemination, addressing these varied elements of the technological system.

Highlights

Over-reliance on pesticide in rice production is seen as a threat, to farmers’ health [1], and to the sustainability of rice sector development and food security [2]
We argue that the lack of diffusion of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Cambodia could be explained through the constraining effect of the technological system for pesticide use
We review the programs, policies and narratives around pest management at a broader level and probe the way IPM has been introduced and implemented vis-à-vis pesticides

Summary

Introduction

Over-reliance on pesticide in rice production is seen as a threat, to farmers’ health [1], and to the sustainability of rice sector development and food security [2]. The search for effective extension methods prompted a shift towards a participatory learning approach in the form of Farmer Field Schools, replacing the less effective, top-down, “Training and Visit” approach [4,5]. Based on these experiences, national programs in Cambodia have promoted IPM since 1993. Extension methods and approaches developed over the years and included Training Of Trainers (TOT), Farmer Trainer Orientations (FTOC) and Farmer Field Schools (FFS) [6] These programs have involved public, private and civil sectors, aimed at helping farmers to implement ecologically- and economically-sound practices. The diffusion of IPM within and across sites, was limited, and the anticipated comparative benefits, most prominently higher incomes, were lacking [8,9]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion