Contribution of Systems Approach to a Better Understanding of Farmers’ Practices : Case Study on Cotton Pest Management.

Abstract

On-farm surveys have been performed since 1991 in two cotton growing areas in Thailand for three cropping seasons. A systems approach focused on farmers’ technical choices in relation to characteristics of the bio-physical and socio-economic environments as well as the differentiated functioning of their production systems. On-farm experiments aiming at assessing the impact of different pest management practices on cotton crop have been carried out in the some areas. Intensive cultivation practices have brought about fundamental transformations of the ecosystems (evolution of the entomofauna, insect resistances) as well as the agricultural production systems (high input use, dependence on agro-chemical companies and transformation industries, spiraling production costs, etc.) which had led to a steady reduction in cotton production during the last few years. One key factor identified as a major constraint for cotton production is the ability of farmers to control pests through economically and environmentally sustainable cultivation practices. Although most cotton growers are aware of the “environmentally friendly” techniques promoted by agricultural extension agencies, they are not able to implement them because of constraints imposed by their socio-economic environment. Thus, Intergraded Pest Management (IPM) propositions should avoid any standardized set of pest management techniques but should promote an approach utilizing agro-ecological principles and translating them into a socio-economic framework respection farmers objectives.