TITLE:
The Potential of Using Indigenous Pesticidal Plants for Insect Pest Control to Small Scale Farmers in Africa
AUTHORS:
Angela G. Mkindi, Kelvin M. Mtei, Karoli N. Njau, Patrick A. Ndakidemi
KEYWORDS:
Insect Pests, Pesticidal Plants, Environment, Health, Indigenous Knowledge
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
Vol.6 No.19,
December
14,
2015
ABSTRACT: Pesticidal plants are scientifically proven for their effectiveness in controlling insect pests. Their
activity is enhanced by active compounds contained, which are known for their repellant and antifeedant
potentials to the insects. Use of pesticidal plants by local small scale farmers has been a
point of concern following information that majority of farmers do not widely use pesticidal plants
despite of an indigenous knowledge that they possess. Improvement of the technologies used by
local farmers in previous times, that are easy and effective need to help farmers abstain from the
use of synthetic pesticides that are detrimental to the environment and to their own health. This
paper reviews the potentiality of pesticidal plants to small holder farmers. It also gives the status
of pesticidal plants use, their possible effectiveness against insect pests, persistence as well as the
knowledge that indigenous people possess in their use. Again, the paper suggests the need for
more instrumental research on practical improvement of indigenous knowledge on the use of pesticidal
plants with scientific evidences.