Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
consume contaminated aquatic products like groundwater, macrophytes and fish.
Tropical risk assessment is, however, only a young field of science that lacks the
wealth of data as present for temperate regions. The uncertainty associated with the
use of temperate data on pesticide properties and species sensitivity for tropical
situations is, however, largely unknown. In order to estimate these risks in the
tropics at the household level the PRIMET Decision Support System was developed.
PRIMET runs with a minimum of input data (www.primet.wur.nl).
Development of bioassay techniques using local species
To improve the representativeness of standard biological methods to assess effects
of pesticides under field conditions in the tropics, within the project a battery of
simple, cost effective and relevant environmental diagnostic bioassays was developed.
The selected local species were used in tests to compare their sensitivity and response
to key contaminants in comparison to tests conducted with standard species. In
addition to lethal toxicity tests, tests were also conducted using non-lethal endpoints,
incorporating both standard (e.g., reproduction, growth) and non standard (e.g.,
feeding rate) endpoints.
2) What are policy-relevant findings of the project for Dutch and for Southern
policymakers?
Participatory and integrated policy (PIP) formulation towards improved measures
for risk assessment and mitigation of the impacts of agrochemicals in fish produc-
tion systems is a major objective of the work package 10. During multi-stakeholder
workshops questions like “Do you agree with our research findings?”, “Why do
farmers overuse” “What are the constraints to more efficient use of pesticides” and
“Is this work beneficial to policymakers” are answered. Policymakers indicated that
the MAMAS project will help in the development of policies and research in
Thailand and Sri Lanka. The results of the risk assessment will be used by the
departments of agriculture to impose bans or tighten the manufacture and distribution
of pesticides that are harmful. It was also mentioned that this work will help to
strengthen extension services to help farmers to recognize risks to human and
environmental health.
3) What are the outputs in terms of capacity-building and partnerships?
Eight PhD and two MSc students are involved in this project. Five scientists were
exchanged longer than 3 months and 3 visiting scientists were present.
E) Tangible outputs, dissemination and impact
Can you describe for the (max. 10) key outputs of your project:
1) Type of output
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