Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (LACAD)

Managing Institute:
Department For International Development (LACAD)

Contractor:
TCO, St Helena Government

Project Code: 053-001-371 053-500-009	Start Date: 01/01/1997	End Date: 31/03/2000
Commitment: £731,000	Status: Current	Type of Funding: Bilateral - TC

Project Background:
Weak controls on the import of plant/organic material have allowed a number of exotic pests (insects, diseases, viruses, weeds, and vertebrates) to enter St Helena. Because of the impoverished native ecosystem on the Island (ie. the absence of natural control agents) and poor crop/field/store hygiene practices, these pests now cause major economic losses to local agricultural production, both pre- and post-harvest. In 1995, losses due to pests were estimated to total 479 tonnes with a value of £318,000, equivalent to 78% of total annual production.

Whilst there has been limited success in controlling these pests using both pesticides and, in some cases, bio-control agents, the absence of an island-wide integrated pest management strategy is a major constraint to the expansion of agricultural production on St Helena. This, in turn, constrains the susbstitution of local produce for imported fresh and preserved foodstuffs and, therefore, the performance of the macro-economy.

In recognition of the importance of the problem of pests in agricultural development, an ODA funded consultancy was undertaken by NRI between 11 Febraury 1995 to 10 March 1995. The purpose of the consultancy was to assess the pest situation, particularly in food crops, and pastures, but also including that in forestry and public health; and, in consultation with A&FD (Agriculture and Forestry Department) staff, to write a proposal for the design and implementation of an IPM programme.

The project accords with the Strategy for Agricultural and Forestry Development (1993-98) which was written in 1992 and approved by Legislative Council in that year. The strategy aims to foster self sufficiency in those vegetable, meat and forest products which can be grown economically, and to encourage the export of surplus agricultural and forestry products within a framework of conservation of the soils and the animal and plant endemic heritage. The strategy aims to achieve this mission through the private farmers who are largely smallholders.

The project is a key element of the prioritised PSIP of the St Helena Strategic Review (1996/7 to 2000/1) and will also help achieve a number of the key policies highlighted in the document such as:

* improving the balance of trade by developing import-substituting and/or export oriented industries in the private sector.

* Re-orienting the A&FD away from direct production towards research and extension services.

The project is consistent with ODA's Sustainable Agricultural Strategy in meeting the needs of small producers, and draws on ODA's previous experience of supporting IPM initiatives and research.

Project Objectives:
To achieve a sustainable improvement in the quality and quantity of St Helena's agricultural products, and so the increased contribution of agricultural sector to St Helena's economic development.

Intended Outputs:
Increased local capacity to support IPM (Integrated Pest Management).

Farmers trained in IPM techniques.

Bio-control of major agricultural pest species.

More effective control on import of plant/organic material.