Based on the availability of funds, the results may be scale up nationally.
Community radio programs and the use of traditional communicators to produce a video on the preparation and use of alternatives.
Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment
Community radio programs as well as the use of traditional communicators to sensitize the public. Also, progress reports shall be issued on a periodic basis.
Linkages gef projects
Currently, there are no known large GEF projects in this field.
Replication of project activities
Once successful the results of this project will be replicated in similar garden schemes across the country.
Notable Community Participation
Part of the women vegetable growers targeted in the project comprise of young women vegetable growers. They shall be trained and sensitized alongside other beneficiary groups.
Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods
The beneficiaries shall be trained on the preparation and eventual use of natural alternatives to synthetic pesticides. These can be prepared in large quantities and be sold after the project phases out.
Policy Influence
The goal of the project is to contribute towards national efforts to reduce dependence on chemical pesticides by the adoption of cultural practices.
Capacity - Building Component
The project primarily aims at building capacity of women vegetable growers in the target area. It aims at training women vegetable growers in compatible integrated pest management techniques suitable for fruit and vegetable production; train them to be able to identify hazardous pesticides; acquaint them with the hazards of pesticides to health and the environment and finally demonstrate to them the means to control them. Vendors and commercial applicators shall also be trained on the above.
Project sustainability
The project seeks to enhance skills in non chemical pest control measures which would eliminate the need for chemical pesticides.
Policy Impact
The project shall complement national efforts in the implementation of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM).
Planning gef grant
The results may be scaled up to a medium sized GEF project.
Gender Focus
Women are the primary target beneficiaries of the project. However, the commercial pesticide applicators, vendors and the traditional communicators who are most of the time men shall be involved in the sensitization process.
Project Results
? 3 appropriate garden sites were randomly selected for IPM demonstrations. These garden sites run by women vegetable producers were: Illiassa, Kerewan and Salikene. All 3 garden schemes were fully established schemes that have been in operation for many years.The 3 sites will be used as demonstration sites for the project where skills will be taught and demonstrated on the ground.
? For each demonstration site, a predetermined Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme was developed which was discussed, amended and finalized with the women participating in the programme. The IPM programme was designed to include both cultural and biological pest control measures which totally excludes the use of chemicals.It places emphasis on cultural practices, observations, plant hygience and other aspects depending on the local environment.
? 1 training needs assessment carried out to determine the knowledge gaps of the participants in order to formulate the appropriate training curriculum.
? 3 sensitization workshops were conducted for pesticide retailers and their clientele at 3 ?loomo? sites which are the outlets where women farmers traditionally get their pesticides from. The sensitization workshops were aimed at enhancing knowledge on the pesticide regulations, labeling, care and handle of pesticides.
? Training of trainers? workshop for traditional communicators on appropriate IPM options was conducted. This workshop provided the necessary tools to develop appropriate training aids in the form of messages in plays, role plays, theaters and drama by traditional communicators who play a role in message dissemination in the rural areas.
? Organized 2 highly responsive phone ? in radio programs were organised at the Community radio station of Kerewan where pesticide issues were discussed and the public called in to either either contribute to the discussions or ask questions. The radio discussions focused on the method and result demonstrations conducted on the treatment and prevention of major pest ravage without depending on synthetic chemicals.
? A 2 day training on best agricultural practices in sustainable vegetable production for 55 participants (women vegetable growers and agricultural extension officers) from Salikenye and Kerewan
