Introduction to Research and Extension

A major finding from studies of IPM across a wide range of crops and cropping systems in different countries has indicated that successful implementation of IPM occurs where there is a high-quality relationship among relevant stakeholder groups. In particular, the support given by research scientists and extension officers is critical in communicating knowledge and information to farmers and helping them to find new solutions to changing pest management problems.

This module aims to provide you with information, ideas and skills that will be of value in integrating research and extension activities with other stakeholder activity in improving IPM in practice. The first section deals with the important issue of involving and integrating stakeholders, and provides information on the role that participatory workshops can play in achieving improved stakeholder participation. The next section provides information on the important topic of understanding farmer decision making and provides details on how to conduct farmer surveys. The final section focuses on the importance of IPM and the role of farmer field schools, media campaigns and other practical ways of encouraging IPM implementation.

A farmer, extension officers and researchers discussing stem borer IPM.