Pesticide safe use project: Thailand
1992
Ellis, William Wyn (GIFAP Representative Office, Bangkok (Thailand))
World food needs over the next 50 years can, with current technology, only be met via higher yields from existing agricultural land. Asia's high population growth will inevitably put pressure on smallholders (probably) the only remaining segment where yields may still be increased by mechanization and chemical inputs) to intensify production. Increasingly widespread, pesticide usage by this large, poorly-educated segment, will further highlight the need for largescale rural pesticide safety education programmes. Recognizing this need, the International Group of National Associations of Agrochemical Manufacturers (GIFAP) in 1991 launched a 3-yr project to improve compliance with the FAO Code of Conduct on the Distribution & Use of Pesticides in Thailand, Kenya, and Guatemala. Objectives in these pilot countries are to raise awareness, provide essential advice and materials, and protect handlers and users of pesticides. Working with members of the Thai Pesticide Association, government, international agencies, and NGO's, the project stresses the importance of delivering a common message to farmers and other target groups. A system approach is adopted wherever possible, in integrating key project components. These include training for government and industry trainers, retailers and farmers, education of schoolchildren, promoting the use of protective clothing, medical and industry standards programmes and a model farm concept. Funding is initially provided by GIFAP/TPA, but the broad scope of the project, and the collective responsibility to protect users and the environment, will require additional funding and the direct involvement of bilateral and multilateral aid agencies. Only in this way can successful elements of the project be replicated or adapted for use on a larger scale elsewhere.
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