RESULTS AND IMPACTS Developed incentive-driven nursery propagation strategies that makes indigenous pesticidal tree species available to farmers Provided training to agricultural technologist and scientists for pest control innovations for safe, effective and sustainable use of pesticidal plants Trained ~1000’s farmers and technicians across East Africa and established products that are being taken up by the commercial sector. Developed potential commercial products that will provide opportunities for income generation for poor communities. Demonstrated pesticidal plants are environmentally less harmful and are more cost effective compared to synthetic pesticides. The propagation of Pyrethrum is being developed in Malawi and Zimbabwean highlands based on a successful model in Tanzania Guidelines for sustainable development through environmentally benign and safe pest control have been promoted and taken up by growers and farmers. CONTRIBUTION TO PROGRAMME Policies related to regulation, bio-diversity conservation, health and safety directives and commercialisation of pesticidal plants have been developed and policy briefs published to inform policy makers of the potential benefits of science technology innovations that enhance food security and address poverty. Institutional capacity has been strengthened via debate and consensus over best practice, and the need for regulatory frameworks on the utilisation of indigenous knowledge, bio-diversity conservation, health and safety and the commercialisation of pesticidal plants and overall environmental protection. CONCLUSIONS Pesticidal plants offers poor farmers an effective and environmentally benign pest control alternative to pesticides that is relevant, available, economically viable and sustainable. Opportunities for small-holders and SMEs to commercialise products have been developed and open opportunities for wealth creation for marginalised agricultural communities. Project Leader : Prof Philip C. Stevenson, Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, United Kingdom More information from OPTIONs: Optimising Pesticidal Plants: Technology Innovation, Outreach and Networks Propagation of pesticidal plants by nursery growers is the most effective way to increase availability of plant material for pest control without putting pressure on wild habitats RESULTS AND IMPACTS Developed incentive-driven nursery propagation strategies that makes indigenous pesticidal tree species available to farmers Provided training to agricultural technologist and scientists for pest control innovations for safe, effective and sustainable use of pesticidal plants Trained ~1000’s farmers and technicians across East Africa and established products that are being taken up by the commercial sector. Developed potential commercial products that will provide opportunities for income generation for poor communities. Demonstrated pesticidal plants are environmentally less harmful and are more cost effective compared to synthetic pesticides. The propagation of Pyrethrum is being developed in Malawi and Zimbabwean highlands based on a successful model in Tanzania Guidelines for sustainable development through environmentally benign and safe pest control have been promoted and taken up. CONTRIBUTION TO PROGRAMME Policies related to regulation, bio- diversity conservation, health and safety directives and commercialisation of pesticidal plants have been developed and policy briefs published to inform policy makers of the potential benefits of science technology innovations that enhance food security and address poverty. Institutional capacity has been strengthened via debate and consensus over best practice, and the need for regulatory frameworks on the utilisation of indigenous knowledge, bio- diversity conservation, health and safety and the commercialisation of pesticidal plants and overall environmental protection. CONCLUSIONS Pesticidal plants offers poor farmers an effective and environmentally benign pest control alternative to pesticides that is relevant, available, economically viable and sustainable. Opportunities for small-holders and SMEs to commercialise products have been developed and open opportunities for wealth creation for marginalised agricultural communities. Farmer trials of pesticidal plants provide an opportunity to train farmers in their preparation and demonstrate their efficacy The OPTIONs Project Partners Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania Mzuzu University, Malawi University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe World Agroforestry Centre, Kenya National Museums of Kenya, Kenya Sustainable Global Gardens, UK Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, UK OPTIONs started on the 1 st of January 2014 and will end on the 31 st December 2016 Propagation of Securidaca longepedunculata will reduce pressure on natural woodlands and unsustainable harvesting of the root bark. Tephrosia vogelii is an effective pesticidal plant in Africa Exposure to synthetic pesticides is a health risk in Africa Aphids are a major pest of beans in East Africa reducing yield and vectoring disease Hoverflies are important pollinators and as well as predators of aphids. Pollinators & natural enemies are less susceptible to plant extracts than synthetics Pesticidal plants (botanical insecticide s) are an effective alternative for control of insect pests and are used widely across Africa. Their promotion and up scaling of use, with optimised application training for farmers to improve safety, consistenc y/reliability, improves access to materials through propagation and cultivation, improves delivery services, will have a major impact on pest manageme nt and ultimately food security for small holder farmers. They are safer to use than most available synthetics. CHALLENGE Most African farmers depend upon their agricultural produce for their livelihoods, so food security and management of pests that limit production are their most important considerations. Commercial insecticides can be effective, but their use is problematic for the following reasons  Limited distribution in rural areas,  Adulterated (diluted by traders)  Applied incorrectly (illiteracy, education)  Expensive  Ineffective (resistance/expired products)  Toxic to users and consumers  Kill beneficial insects (e.g., pollinators). Pesticidal plants (botanical insecticides) are an effective alternative for control of insect pests and are used widely across Africa. Their promotion and up scaling of use, with optimised application training for farmers to improve safety, consistency/reliability, improves access to materials through propagation and cultivation, improves delivery services, will have a major impact on pest management and ultimately food security for small holder farmers. They are safer to use than most available synthetics. OBJECTIVES 1.Optimise use of pesticidal plants to enhance food security to meet local needs and resources. 2. Build capacity of partner institutes and farming community organisations in propagation, cultivation and optimised use of pesticidal plants 3.Raise awareness about pesticidal plants and their environmental benefit 4.Enable commercialisation, marketing and promotion of safe and effective pesticidal plants to provide opportunities for income generation and poverty alleviation