Integrated Pest Management Knowledge Research Articles

Evaluating Farmers’ Knowledge and Awareness of Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Assessment of the IPM Collaborative Research Support Project in Uganda

The IPM CRSP (Integrated Pest Management Collaborative Research Support Program) has been applying a farmer participatory IPM strategy at on-farm research sites in Eastern Uganda since 1995. Comparison groups composed of project participants and nonparticipants were used to evaluate the impact of project activities on IPM knowledge and awareness change among two hundred small scale farmers. The evaluation instrument used a summated ratings scale consisting of four attributes to measure farmers’ knowledge of IPM, and crop specific indices to measure pest management. The results demonstrate that more active participation increases knowledge of IPM pest management knowledge, providing preliminary support for the project’s participatory research and extension approach. However, project beneficiaries were relatively few and were slightly more socioeconomically advantaged. Recommendations for increasing the number of farmer participants and improving the evaluation process are made.

The Adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) by Tropical Fruit Growers in Thailand as an Example of Change Management Theory and Practice

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a well-known innovation that accords with modern environmental management's (EMs) ‘best practice’. In this paper, it is examined in two ways. First, a recent IPM knowledge diffusion project in a region of Thailand, where durian is extensively grown, is described and analysed in relation to the adoption of both its philosophy and methods by growers. Particular use is made of a theory of innovation (Rogers) to depict the intensity, rate and scale of adoption by the durian growers. Second, attention is focused on IPM as an expression of theory and practice in change management. What is shown is that successful adoption of IPM depends upon a number of factors, notably durian growers perceptions of ‘relative advantage’ and the way the approach is communicated and learned by them through practical application. In terms of change management theory, the intelligent way IPM knowledge was transferred, through the mediating role of agricultural extension workers (AEWs), reflected the current emphasis on collaborative partnerships and learning as an effective means of managing change in complex environments.

Comparison of perceptions and implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) between IPM and conventional farmers of greenhouse vegetables in northern Greece

Reform of the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), especially through Regulation 2078/92, provided a dual role for farmers as food producers and stewards of the environment and the countryside. Implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) in greenhouse enterprises in Greece is a part of this effort. In this study, the effectiveness of the adoption and implementation of IPM practices in greenhouse vegetable cultivation in Central Macedonia (Greece) was assessed. Eighty-six farmers enrolled in an IPM programme and 28 conventional greenhouse farmers were selected and interviewed in 1997, using a questionnaire designed to assess their behaviour in the greenhouse and examine their attitudes towards the environment. Wide adoption of IPM was found still to face many hindrances, mainly due to the lack of appropriate technical and advisory support by the agricultural local services, and farmers' low level of knowledge of IPM. Comparisons between IPM and conventional farmers revealed that: (1) the two groups' behaviour did not differ significantly in greenhouse production practices, but (2) IPM farmers were more aware of the new environmental dimension of the CAP, and (3) they expressed more concern about the negative effects of modern agriculture on nature, than conventional farmers.

Evaluating consumer knowledge of alternative agricultural commodities: The case of IPM produce

AbstractNearly 32% of consumers surveyed at four supermarkets and one private direct market in New Jersey reported having prior awareness of integrated pest management (IPM). However, knowledge of IPM does not appear homogeneous across all demographic segments. This study empirically evaluates which socioeconomic characteristics suggest that a consumer will be more likely to have existing knowledge of IPM. Results indicate that those who had higher levels of education, had visited a farmers' market within the previous five years, had no children, grew fruits and vegetables at home, were female, or had regularly used media reports about food safety were more likely to claim awareness of IPM.

Support in New England for certification and labelling of produce grown using integrated pest management

AbstractWe surveyed a total of 549 Cooperative Extension clientele (consumers), farmstand owners, and food industry representatives in New England to assess the potential for certification and labelling of produce grown using integrated pest management (IPM). The survey elicited self-reported knowledge of IPM, perceptions of current pesticide use and IPM, and attitudes toward certification and labelling of produce as “IPMGrown.” The respondents expressed widespread support for certification and labelling of produce grown using IPM. Potential barriers to the marketing of IPM-labelled produce were also revealed. The survey showed the need for education to inform the public about pest management in agriculture and to build confidence in the safety of our food supply.