Reducing vector-borne disease by empowering farmers in integrated vector management

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Agricultural Science
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Irrigated agriculture poses health risks from vector-borne diseases and pesticide exposure in rural areas.
• A lack of intersectoral collaboration between agriculture and health sectors exacerbates these issues in developing countries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a project implementing an integrated pest and vector management curriculum using the farmer field school method.
• To assess the impact of this approach on rural health and agricultural practices in Sri Lanka.

Main Methods:

• An intersectoral project in Sri Lanka utilized the farmer field school model.
• The curriculum integrated vector-borne disease management with rice yield improvement strategies.
• Farmer training focused on integrated pest and vector management.

Main Results:

• Farmers adopted vector-control actions, improved environmental sanitation, and enhanced personal protection measures.
• A reduction in agricultural pesticide use, particularly insecticides, was observed among participating farmers.
• The intervention successfully motivated and enabled rural communities to engage in vector management.

Conclusions:

• The integrated farmer field school approach effectively reduced environmental health risks for rural populations.
• Opportunities exist to expand the curriculum to include pesticide health effects and other public health concerns.
• Further assessment of community-based health program benefits and broadening institutional participation are recommended for sustained impact.