Professor, Department of Horticulture Oregon State University Aurora, Oregon
Integrated pest management (IPM) is perceived and practiced differently around the world. Experiences from training farmers in Bangladesh, Guatemala, Mozambique, Myanmar, and Zimbabwe in person or virtually showed varying levels of needs, challenges, and opportunities. For example, the small-scale vegetable farmers in Mozambique were unaware of good agricultural practices at a basic level, they thoroughly understood the concept of IPM and its complexities. Some of the ornamental growers in Guatemala, on the other hand, are already implementing IPM but needed assistance in some areas. In general, growers were very enthusiastic and capable of understanding IPM principles, regardless of their education level or the size of the farming. Having a strong local extension system can help promote sustainable agricultural practices all over the world. The new IPM model is well received by farmers, pest control professionals, agricultural input industry, researchers, and educators and demonstrated a strong impact through a survey and direct feedback from various people. In an effort to increase reach to other parts of the world, the new IPM model is being translated into various languages. Experiences from international outreach, translation of the new IPM model into various languages, and its impact will be discussed.
