IPM CRSP

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What is IPM?

Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, is a systems approach to reducing damage caused by pests to an acceptable level without harming the environment. IPM includes the adoption of pest-resistant varieties of crops; biological and physical control methods; environmental modi-
fication; biopesticides; and when absolutely necessary, non-residual, environmentally-friendly and low mammalian-toxic chemical pesticides.

IPM is needed in all areas of the developing world. Pests—insects, diseases, weeds, vertebrates— respect no borders and

Women in Uganda discuss how their lives are defined along gender boundaries.

spread through plant and animal migration, wind and water. Human activity, including trade in plant and animal products, also contributes to this expansion.

By addressing IPM, researchers have found that they touch a whole spectrum of development issues. IPM is, in fact, such a powerful tool that it allows for:

- reducing pesticide use	- making export crops more attractive
- reducing crop losses	- reducing damage to natural ecosystems
- reducing the loss of biodiversity	- improving research & education capabilities
- increasing farmer income	- increasing the involvement of women in decision-making

This, then, is the overall purpose of the IPM CRSP: to raise the standard of living while creating sustainable development.