Current trends in the use of traditional and organic methods for the control of crop pests and diseases in Nigeria

Abstract

The use of pesticides for the control of pests and diseases of major food and cash crops, both in field and store, has increased enormously in Nigeria during the past 5–10 years. This dramatic increase in pesticide usage is predominant among some and most of the medium‐ and large‐scale farmers respectively. Due to the prohibitive costs and erratic supply of pesticides, the majority of farmers with small‐scale holdings have been adopting alternative methods of pest and disease control. Some methods involve application of neem extracts, vegetable oils, ashes, heat and smoke treatment, pepper, soap solutions, mulch and organic soil amendments. This paper reviews some of these alternatives, with reference to their efficacy and cost to small‐scale farmers in Nigeria. Inherent problems associated with their use are highlighted.