IPGRI-INIBAP IPM project 01: Development and transfer of IPM technologies to small-scale farmers for sustainable banana production in West and Central Africa, Asia and the Pacific.

Duration: August 8, 2001 - December 31, 2005 (For Africa)/December 10, 2002 - December 9, 2006 (For Asia).

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of nematode infestation in banana and plantain production systems in West and Central African Highland regions and Asia and the Pacific, and develop low-cost management strategies adapted to the local context. Focus is directed to integrated pest management technologies (in particular, for nematodes), including the use of resistant varieties, agronomic practices, clean planting material, biological control, etc., Technologies developed and tested are transferred to scientists and small-scale farmers in the region

Background/description: Bananas are the developing world's fourth most important food commodity in terms of gross value of production. They constitute a major staple food for millions of people as well as providing a valued source of income through local and international trade. But their production is hampered by many disease and pest problems. During a regional consultation on banana and plantain R&D in 1989, pests and diseases of banana were identified as one of the major constraints to banana production by almost all the countries of the region. These problems are often dealt with by the application of large amounts of pesticides. These are not only very expensive, and usually beyond the reach of small-scale farmers, but are also extremely hazardous to the environment, non-target organisms and farmers. More easily accessible and environmentally-friendly production technologies are needed. It is clear that something more is needed than merely substituting synthetic pesticides with natural ones. Alternative agriculture advocates a change of focus at several levels. Since the founding of INIBAP in 1985, research to develop improved varieties and better technologies has been an important step towards improving the livelihood of small-scale farmers. Many additional activities are required however: new resistant varieties need to be identified, promising varieties need to be tested in the field, improved varieties need to be made available to small-scale farmers, IPM strategies need to be developed, small-scale farmers need to be trained in these improved technologies, etc. Among the various pests of bananas and plantains, nematodes constitute one of the major constraints on a global level. Additionally, nematicides are some of the more toxic pesticides still on the market today, due to their broad range action. Concerns with respect to this toxicity are pushing for alternatives for nematode control. The project will provide farmers with IPM options for the sustainable and environmentally-friendly production of bananas through implementing feasible technologies and developing control methods adapted to the local context.

Agroecozone(s) and location(s): Philippines, Southeast Asia - Cameroon Highlands, Central Africa.

Expected outputs: a) Regional scientists and extension officers are trained to carry out research in the field of IPM; b) A comprehensive package of IPM technologies is developed and tested in the field; c) Improved, disease-resistant banana varieties are identified and evaluated in the field; d) Small-scale farmers have access to information on IPM technologies; e) Small-scale farmers have access to improved banana varieties

Potential impact and beneficiaries: The primary beneficiaries are small-scale banana farmers who face many disadvantages in a field due to ever-increasing demands for quality harvests free of pests and diseases. Large trans-national companies can also benefit from the results of the project. Other beneficiaries are consumers demanding for environmental protection and 'safe' food products, especially where pesticide use is concerned; organic farming offers great business opportunities under these circumstances. The costs for organic products are higher than for conventional products, but consumers are generally more prepared to buy a more expensive, less attractive product, if it is eco-friendly. However, if large companies would enter the market and prices would drop, small farmers would be the most affected, even though they currently dominate this market.

Partners: Flemish Office for Development Cooperation and Technical Assistance (VVOB), Belgium; International Network for the Improvement of Banana and Plantain - Asia Pacific (INIBAP-AP), Philippines, National Agricultural Extension and Research Program (NAERP) of Cameroon, Centre Africain de Recherche sur Bananier et Plantain (CARBAP), Cameroon.

Development investor(s): a) Flemish Office for Development Cooperation and Technical Assistance (VVOB), Belgium; b) International Network for the Improvement of Banana and Plantain - Asia Pacific (INIBAP-AP), Philippines, c) Centre Africain de Recherche sur Bananier et Plantain (CARBAP), Cameroon.

INIBAP contact person(s)/principal investigator(s): Inge van den Bergh i.vandenbergh@cgiar.org, Kim Jacobsen kjacobsen@linuxmail.org