Environmental implications of agricultural trade and policy reform programs in Cameroon : pest and pesticide management

This study examines the environmental impact of policies affecting pesticide use on export crops in Cameroon. After a review of pesticide use and management, the report reviews (1) pesticide-related donor policies, (2) agricultural trade and policy reforms affecting pesticide use, and (3) the impact of both the policies and the reforms on pesticide use by crop, incentives for IPM, and environmental health. Recommendations are made concerning identification and extension of least-toxic pest management practices and enforcement of pesticide and environmental regulations. Specific recommendations are that donors: research and disseminate technologies for IPM and organic farming, enforce pesticide and environmental regulations, foster compliance with international environmental conventions, support a phased program of rapid subsidy removal (including the privatization of agricultural input markets and the termination of non-emergency donations of pesticides from foreign countries), de-link credit provision and pesticide use, and ensure that smallholders benefit equitably in nontraditional export crop projects. Includes references.