The UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) has released the results of three studies undertaken as part of the FAO-implemented, Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded ‘Reducing Dependence on Persistent Organic Pollutants and other Agro-Chemicals in the Senegal and Niger River Basins through Integrated Production, Pest and Pollution Management' project.
According to the studies field schools that train cotton farmers in alternative pest control methods have succeeded in nearly eliminating the use of toxic pesticides in cotton growing communities in Mali.
17 February 2014: The Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN (FAO) has released the results of three studies undertaken as part of the ‘Reducing Dependence on Persistent Organic Pollutants and other Agro-Chemicals in the Senegal and Niger River Basins through Integrated Production, Pest and Pollution Management’ project. Field schools that train cotton farmers in alternative pest control methods have succeeded in nearly eliminating the use of toxic pesticides in cotton growing communities in Mali, according to the studies, which the FAO implemented and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) financed.
Training farmers in alternative methods of pest control is three times more effective than purchasing and using synthetic pesticides, according to FAO. Further, the FAO studies found that, while only 34% of cotton farmers in the Bla area of Mali participated in the training, pesticide use in the area dropped by 92% and resulted in no negative impact on crop yields. Two related studies published by the Royal Society underscore the risks pesticides pose to the environment and human health.
FAO has now trained over 20,000 cotton farmers through field schools in Mali. In addition to the GEF, the European Union (EU) and the Government of the Netherlands provided financing for the FAO programme. [FAO Press Release] [The Royal Society Website]