Pesticides are one of many tools in an integrated pest management (IPM) program. Used correctly, they can improve crop quality and quantity. However, if used improperly, they pose a hazard to human health and the environment. Effective risk mitigation involves developing the knowledge and skills necessary for safe use and handling.
These materials were developed in cooperation with West African field agents and agricultural researchers, who use them in field schools and production meetings as a part of several USAID IPMCRSP projects. However, because they rely on visuals and active learning teaching tactics, they can be used “as is” or adapted to teach pesticide safety to farmers in other countries. Lesson plans include both instruction in technical content and “hands-on” teaching methods. Poster books display a large image to a group of farmers with a script for trainers on the reverse.
Considerations for developing these teaching aids includes:
- Literacy levels.
- Traditions of oral history and learning.
- Cultural issues.
- Learning styles.
- Existing infrastructure.
Lesson Plans for Trainers
- Pesticide Safety Education – Index to Lesson Books
- Pesticide Safety Education – NBCover-V2
- Lesson 01 – Introduction to Pesticides – PDF in English | PDF in French
- Lesson 02 – Introduction to Pesticide Management – PDF in English | PDF in French | PDF – related pictures
- Lesson 03 – Pesticides and Risk – PDF in English | PDF in French
- Lesson 04 – Pesticides and Toxicity – PDF in English | PDF in French
- Lesson 05 – Pesticides and Exposure – PDF in English | PDF in French
- Lesson 06 – Protective Clothing – PDF in English | PDF French
- Lesson 07 – Tolerances for Pesticides in Food – PDF in English | PDF in French
- Lesson 08 – Applying Pesticides Safely and Effectively – PDF in English | PDF in French
- Lesson 09 – Pesticide Poisoning – PDF in English | PDF in French
- Lesson 10 – Backpack and Hand-Held Sprayer Calibration – PDF in English | PDF in French
- Lesson 11 – Understanding and Using The Pesticide Product Label – PDF in English | PDF in French
- Lesson 12 – Pesticide Storage – PDF in English | PDF in French
- Lesson 13 – Pesticide Handling Decisions – PDF in English | PDF in French
Poster Books for Trainers
These Poster Books were designed to be used in a classroom setting, indoors or outside. Text is in both French and Bamanankan.
Booklets for Farmers
These Booklets are take-home-sized versions of the above Poster Books. Text is in Bamanankan.
- Booklet 1 – Basic Pesticide Safety
- Booklet 2 – Integrated Pest Management
- Booklet 3 – Pesticide Labels