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In this paper, two case studies from Asia and Africa are presented that deal with developing, testing and disseminating educational videos. Processes that contribute to scaling up sustainable rice technologies are analysed. The next sections highlight key elements of effective videos, followed by how videos were used and what effect [...]

Crop productivity has increased worldwide since the late 1950s thanks to the modernisation of agriculture. However, many small-scale farming systems located in regions with limited access to resources have seen their profitability constrained by the intensification of input use. The rain-fed cotton farming sector in South and Central India provides [...]

A season-long assessment of acute pesticide poisoning among farmers was conducted in three villages in India. Fifty female cotton growers reported the adverse effects experienced after exposures to pesticides by themselves and by their male relatives (n = 47). The study documented the serious consequences of pesticide use for the [...]

An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Farmer Field School (FFS) is a field-based activity that lasts a full cropping season. A typical FFS meets once a week and 25-30 farmers participate in an FFS. In addition to group dynamics activity and a special topic session, an FFS emphasizes scientific learning through [...]

More than half of the world’s cotton is produced by Asian farmers, the majority of them small landholders with plot sizes of less than one-half hectare. Within Asia, cotton production is diverse and this diversity manifests itself among the countries participating in the FAO-EU Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Programme for [...]

A report for CARE Bangladesh. Focusing on empowerment and possible policies and plans, it includes conceptual models, evaluation indicators, and suggestions relating to strategy. Particular attention has been given to the Farmer Field School approach as an entry point for empowerment.

The objective of this ecological guide is to provide general technical background information on eggplant production, supplemented with field experiences from the National IPM programmes connected to FAO’s Vegetable IPM Programme, and from related organizations active in farmer participatory IPM. The information in the guides is not specific for one [...]

Pesticides have played a role in increasing crop yields and food security but, in contrast to modern products marketed in the developed world, many pesticides used in developing countries like Cambodia fail to meet international quality standards. Agriculture, rice production in particular, is of major importance to Cambodian food security [...]