Event Information

In Sub-Saharan Africa, diverse methods are used for pest control, including agronomic practices, pesticides and biopesticides, biological control, and use of resistant varieties. An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach focuses on economic suppression of pests through a combination of techniques, with a strong emphasis on minimizing harm to the environment and people. IPM is advocated by many large-scale agricultural organizations, including USAID.

Often, the main method for pest control in Sub-Saharan Africa is conventional pesticides; however, limited knowledge of safe pesticide use can be hazardous for both human and environmental health. Knowledge on pesticide toxicity, when to apply, application methods, storage and disposal methods, and protective equipment is central to their safe use and to protecting the health of smallholder farmer families, consumers, and the environment in Sub-Saharan Africa.

This webinar on safe pesticide use will include:

• Risks and benefits of pesticide use
• Consequences of pesticide exposure, including routes of exposure, acute and chronic consequences on human health, and first aid response, and environmental effects of pesticides
• Ways to reduce the risk of pesticide exposure to humans and the environment through IPM and use of correct types, amounts, and preparations
• Ways to reduce the risk of pesticide exposure through safe application, respect of Re-entry Intervals (REIs), cleanup of equipment and spills, and correct storage and disposal
• Understanding pesticide residues, Post-Harvest Intervals (PHIs), and post-harvest washing

This webinar is organized by two USAID-funded programs – the CNFA-implemented Southern Africa Farmer-to-Farmer program and the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Integrated Pest Management at Virginia Tech. The training is provided for individuals in government and private extension services, NGOs, research organizations, farmer associations, and other interested individuals. There will be two live (via virtual meeting software) presentations that will also involve Q&A discussion sessions. The presentations and Q&A sessions will be recorded and will be made available online.

The training will be conducted by Tim McCoy, an Extension Associate in the Virginia Tech Pesticide Programs, where he develops pesticide safety educational materials focused on protecting non-target species. McCoy has been a member of the VT Entomology department for 17 years.