Facilitating learning toward sustainable cotton pest management in Benin : the interactive design of research for development

A.A.C. Sinzogan

Research output: Thesisinternal PhD, WU

Abstract

Over the last decade, the economic sustainability of the cotton industry in Benin has been questioned. Low yield caused by pests and socio-economic problems have been identified as the main problems facing cotton producers, leading to low income. This thesis has addressed the technical and organisational problems of crop protection in the cotton sector in Benin. It has analysed why technical alternatives to farmers' current dependence on purchased synthetic insecticides is necessary if cotton is to remain a worthwhile crop for farmers, and if the cotton sector is to regain the efficiency needed to compete in today's markets. Findings showed a range of alternative methods for controlling economically significant cotton pests, principally by means of the integration of different pest control methods such as the use of botanicals, entomopathogens. and the reduction of the number of sprays and synthetic active ingredients by using action thresholds. The study also demonstrated a methodology for conducting site-specific, ecologically-informed Research for Development (R4D), that created the institutional potential to sustain innovation. The notable features of the methodology were: using a perspective relevant to farmers as the entry point, developing control methods in the context of a multi-stakeholder learning alliance, and altering the boundaries and conditions that affect the space for change.

Original languageEnglish
QualificationDoctor of Philosophy
Awarding Institution
  • Wageningen University
Supervisors/Advisors
  • van Huis, Arnold, Promotor
  • Kossou, D.K., Promotor, External person
  • Jiggins, J.L.S., Promotor
  • Agbo, V., Promotor, External person
Award date20 Oct 2006
Place of Publication[S.l.]
Print ISBNs9789085044321
Publication statusPublished - 2006

Keywords

  • gossypium hirsutum
  • cotton
  • cotton industry
  • insect pests
  • plant pests
  • integrated pest management
  • bacterial insecticides
  • botanical insecticides
  • sustainability
  • research
  • diffusion of information
  • learning
  • benin
  • agricultural extension

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