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Abstract:
The effects of changes in
cropping production technologies, systems and input and output
markets on smallholders growing tree crops for export, and the
consequences on pest management strategies, including
augmentative and conservation biological control, are discussed
in the context of pest and crop management research, technology
development and farmer training. Evolving approaches in
extension methodology are described, and the new knowledge and
skills that changing markets require of farmers are identified.
The limitations of conventional technology development and
transfer methods, by both public and private sector commodity
organizations and companies dealing with tree crop agroexports,
are described. Case studies of some innovative experiences in
farmer participatory training and research in different tree
crops (cocoa, coffee, nuts and tea) and countries (Colombia,
Costa Rica, Nicaragua, USA and Vietnam) are presented, and how
far these are able to help farmers improve their pest and crop
management practices and adapt to rapidly changing markets is
discussed. Finally, suggestions are made for making tree cash
cropping more beneficial in economic, social and environmental
terms for smallholders and an outline of the training,
institutional and policy needs for integrating tree crops into
robust and flexible livelihood strategies.
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