STATUS OF PESTICIDE POLICY AND REGULATIONS IN DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES

Current emphasis in integrated pest management (IPM) is shifting to mo re biointensive tactics (biological control, host resistance, cultural management), relegating the use of pesticides to a last-effort tactic . This logical and appropriate shift away from a pesticide emphasis do es not exclude pesticides from the multiple-techniques strategy necess ary for a sustainable crop protection system. Intensified agriculture in many developing countries demands such a system. A solution to the recognized pesticide problems of expense, resurgence, and environmenta l hazards will involve multiple approaches that include the combined u se of alternative tactics leading to the avoidance or reduction of pes ticide use as well as a direct, frontal attack on the many problems as sociated with such use. The frontal attack will involve three broad, b ut essential areas: research, information transfer and training in pes ticide safety, and pesticide legislation and regulations leading to an enlightened and enforceable pesticide policy at both national and int ernational levels. This paper discusses existing national policies in developing countries as well as international regulations and policies impacting on national programs. Such policy is an essential component in pesticide management and should be developed in both a biologicall y rational manner as well as in a socioeconomically sound manner. Ther e must be better coordination of the many organizations involved in pe sticide registration, and indeed all aspects of pesticide management, for specific regions of the third world.