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ACTIVITIES
Activities in the
SAPP project are broken down into eight different workpackages, each managed
by a different project partner. A brief summary of the activities and
their expected deliverables can be found below.
Work package
1: Management of Project and Communication of outputs
Lead partner NRI-UOG
Involved partners All partners
Objectives
• Coordinate all activities among partners
• Ensure timely reporting to the SADC
• Ensure all activities are carried out to time and budget.
• Implement communication strategy for project outputs
Justification
Project size, complexity and level of integration/interdependency among
different project actions require strict delivery and adherence to project
timelines. Partners must work together to achieve project outputs.
Description of work
Project inception workshop. A one-week project inception
workshop will be held at the outset to enable all partners to define the
procedures for working together to achieve the project outputs. We will
review the contractual arrangements for the financial control of the project
and for the assessment of the agreed tasks and deliverables. Work package
managers will present strategies and protocols to be accepted after discussion
by all partners. The workshop will include hands-on training where needed,
especially for standardised procedures that need to be followed by different
partners.
Follow-up coordination meetings. Formal meetings will be organised
each year with representation from each partner. In order to provide the
project with independent evaluation and ensure key stakeholders are informed
of progress, experts and end users will be invited to participate. Presentations
from each work package leader will summarise achievements. Discussions
about progress, potential deviations from the work plan and forward planning
will be standing items at each meeting.
Activity reporting. Partners will prepare a two-page activity
report every six months. The lead applicant and work package managers
will use these to assess whether work progresses to plan and take action
to minimise the effects of delays on other project activities.
Annual progress reports. Annual reports will be made following SADC instructions.
Work package managers will be responsible for collating information and
making a single WP-report. The lead applicant will be responsible for
integrating these into a single full report. A similar approach will be
used to prepare the final project report covering information from all
project years.
Project communication strategy. Implementation of the project
communication strategy (Annex D).
Deliverables
Project reporting delivered on time
Communication strategy implemented
Risks
None anticipated.
Work package
2: Literature and field surveys of indigenous
uses of botanical pesticides, analysis of habitat change, formulation
of policy recommendations
Lead partner RBGKEW
Involved partners NRI-UOG, UZ, DARS, ICRAF, MUM
Objectives
• Acquire information about the indigenous use of pesticidal plant
species and close knowledge gaps
• Provide a modern and accessible database and information leaflets
of pesticidal plants based on historical and current uses of plants in
Caesalpinioid woodlands
• Determine current diversity of pesticidal plants in Caesalpinioid
woodland and particularly the prevalence of uncommon species.
• Prepare a policy document on sustainable economic potential of
Caesalpinioid woodlands as a resource for pesticidal plants
Justification
Some GOs & NGOs misguidedly promote pesticidal plants for uses that
may have negative human health outcomes as discussed in 1.6. Historical
surveys and scientific evaluations may also be taken out of context resulting
in inappropriate application, particularly when plants are used in new
ways that are not supported by African tradition. This WP will acquire
information to prevent this happening. A number of habitat surveys were
carried out in the mid-20th century but since then, climate change, agricultural
expansion, overgrazing and fires may have caused significant ecological
changes and habitat degradation. Survey data will indicate whether historical
data about the abundance of indigenously used plant species exaggerates
their current distribution. All work will be carried out in compliance
with the convention on biological diversity (CBD) to ensure that
Description of work
Literature survey. Considerable ethno-botanical information exists
at institutions in SADC countries in unpublished reports and will be surveyed
along with more established sources, such as electronic databases that
catalogue botanical plant uses e.g. Flora Zambesiaca, SEPASAL and PROTA.
We propose to create a searchable database for pesticidal plant materials
found within Caesalpinioid woodlands. A list of pesticidal plants that
are commonly used will be produced and this information will be linked
to existing scientific knowledge on plant chemistry and activity.
Field survey. From a prioritised list, three sites will be selected
in each country for field surveys that will best help fill knowledge gaps
identified in existing literature. Surveys will consist of group and individual
discussions using PRAs and formal surveys and samples of plant materials
that are known to be used locally will be collected and have their botanical
identify determined.
Key species short-listing. A shortlist of plant species including
some apparently threatened species will be selected to facilitate a detailed
evaluation of habitat change from literature and databases in herbaria
and botanic gardens in the four partner countries.
Analysis of habitat change. Changes in abundance will be determined
by comparison of survey data from this project with historical data ensuring
correlation with project survey techniques. Readily available satellite
imagery will be used to assess and confirm large-scale land use changes
in sampled areas and changes in biodiversity will be determined. Abundance
and probability of occurrence of selected key species will also be modelled
in relation to environmental degradation.
Development of policy recommendations. A policy document highlighting
conservation issues relating to pesticidal plant use in Caesalpinioid
woodlands will be produced that will recommend intervention such as the
potential for cultivation to reduce harvesting.
Deliverables
Comprehensive electronic database of pesticidal plants found in Caesalpinioid
woodland based on indigenous knowledge surveys
A modern map showing abundance and location of key plants used in agricultural
pest management.
Policy document highlighting conservation targets and solutions.
Risks
Collating all marginal or rare sources of data found in the target countries
may prove difficult. Although data will be drawn from all sources relevant
to the Caesalpinioid woodland eco-region, there may be potential bias
related to the focus countries of Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi where it
will be possible to collect information than in other SADC countries.
Extent of surveys carried out within the project will be limited by the
size of the Caesalpinioid woodland and may not reflect conditions found
outside of this ecological zone or outside the 3 partner countries.
Work package 3:
Phytochemical characterisation of active materials
Lead partner NRI-UOG
Involved partners RBGKEW, MUM, UZ
Objectives
• Chemical profiling of at least 10 selected pesticidal plants
• Identification of key biologically active components of at least
5 species.
• Capacity building through staff exchange and training of SADC
scientists by working in UK labs at NRI-UOG and RBG-Kew to learn new and
SADC appropriate analytical techniques.
Justification
The use of plants as pesticides is an established and effective indigenous
approach to crop and storage protection. However, their sustainable use
would be improved substantially through a deeper understanding of the
chemistry that governs their activity by enhancing application methods,
improving harvesting strategies and identifying novel plant alternatives
for threatened species. For example, an abundant plant with similar chemistry
to a scarce but popular and over harvested species could be promoted as
an environmentally benign alternative. Furthermore, plants in which active
components are water soluble might be better applied as water extracts
than powdered plant material. The chemistry of plants varies seasonally
and according to location so chemical analysis is needed to optimise harvesting
times. The ability of SADC partners to carry out this analytical work
is limited and this capacity needs to be built. This WP will incorporate
a substantial component of teaching analytical techniques relevant to
the partners.
Description of work
Species selection. At least 10 plant species from the Caesalpinioid
woodlands of Southern Africa will be selected based on information arising
from WP2 and above and through literature surveys. Plants selected for
chemical analysis will be those with known indigenous use in agricultural
pest control.
Sample collection. Samples will be collected with authorisation
and in partnership with collaborating institutes with material transfer
agreements in place. Plants will be collected at different times of the
year to enable chemical comparison between season to determine if their
may be optimal harvesting times for certain compounds.
Chemical fingerprinting. Chemical analysis using mass spectrometry
will be used to maximise information acquisition of compounds in each
plant. These analyses will be used to identify as many components as possible
and determine their seasonal variations in selected plant species. This
information will be used to indicate the best time for farmers to harvest.
This activity will be conducted in association with chemists from collaborating
countries to ensure capacity is built for them to continue similar work
during and after the project.
Isolation and Characterisation. Where compounds appear to be
highly significant but unknown and not identifiable from spectral libraries
they will be isolated and their structures determined using established
techniques and equipment available at NRI and RBG-KEW.
Staff exchange/training. All preliminary analyses will be carried
out in UK but in collaboration with relevant partners thus building capacity
thorough tuition in analytical techniques. Methods will be developed for
continued work after the project that are appropriate and relevant in
terms of resources and facilities of SADC partner institutions,
Deliverables
At least 3 peer reviewed papers.
Training document for rapid chemical analysis of plant materials produced.
Risks
The achievement of this WP depends upon cooperation of partner countries
to authorise material transfer agreements to UK.
Work package 4: Determine safety
of key botanical pesticides through vertebrate toxicity studies
Lead partner UZ
Involved partners NRI-UOG, DARS, MUM
Objectives
• Provide vertebrate toxicity data of up to 10 species to assess
potential human health and animal risks
• Build capacity of SADC scientists to carry out vertebrate toxicity
trials for the preliminary screening of pesticidal plant materials
Justification
Pesticidal plants can present a significant health risk to users when
extracting, pounding or concentrating active ingredients yet virtually
no work has been published internationally on their vertebrate toxicity.
One study on West African plants used to protect stored grain from insect
pests has shown that some of those most commonly found and used by farmers
can adversely affect growth and development (when fed to rodents), with
potentially long term effects. Greatest risks exist when pesticidal plants
are used for post-harvest treatment especially when toxic species originally
developed and promoted for use in field pest management such as Tephrosia
and Derris spp. where they present little problem are promoted by poorly
informed extension organisations for use on stored food stuffs. It is
a myth that because they are natural pesticidal plants are safe., Plants,
produce some of the most toxic substances known and many plant materials
may be more dangerous than commercial synthetic insecticides. It is therefore
essential to develop the capacity within SADC countries to evaluate their
toxicity and ensure appropriate promotion to end users.
Description of work
Species selection. Species that are commonly used for post-harvest
protection or are processed in ways that could increase risks (e.g. fine
powders, oil extraction) will be selected in combination with phytochemical
information from WP3 and existing chemical knowledge. Species will where
the presence of carcinogens is known.
Rodent feeding trial. Appropriate cell based procedures for mammalian
toxicity testing for plant materials are not currently available. Consequently,
standardised methodologies will be followed for rearing test rodents under
laboratory conditions to sexual maturity and following local ethics committee
procedures. Plant materials will be incorporated into standard rodent
diet at two concentrations (1% and 5%) in minimum test groups of 6 animals
plus control animals (diet without plant material). Rodents will be cross-correlated
for weight gain and observed for behavioural abnormalities.
Histology. Animals will be sacrificed at the end of the trial
(6 weeks) and livers and kidneys will be weighed, measured and examined
histologically for cell damage, increased mitosis or other abnormalities.
Deliverables
One international peer-reviewed journal paper on vertebrate toxicity data
on pesticidal plant materials.
Toxicity data sheets produced for regulatory authorities.
Risks
Rodent feeding trials for particular plant species will have to be stopped
if animals appear to be adversely suffering, thereby affecting quantity
of data derived.
Work package 5: Farm trials to
develop and promote effective use of botanical pesticides
Lead partner DARS
Involved partners UZ, SAFIRE, ICRAF, NRI-UOG
Objectives
• Farmer participatory rural appraisal (PRA) of commonly used pesticidal
plant control strategies under farm conditions using standardised comparative
methodologies
Justification
Nearly all research on pesticidal plants has been carried out in laboratories
or on agricultural research stations. Although relevant, these trials
fail to assess the use of plant materials under farm condition that may
differ from the uniform environment of a research station. Consequently
they do not assess many of the other factors, besides efficacy, which
are important to farmers when they choose to use plant materials for insect
pest control (e.g. labour, availability, ease of use, marketability of
treated produce). A number of unpublished studies have been conducted
in southern Africa (Gondwe T.N personal communication) which indicates
there is already established interest in this application. This WP activity
will distil this information to provide a clear picture of what plants
are effective ectoparasitic control agents in SADC countries. For instance,
in Zambia, farmers use fish bean (Tephrosia vogelii) as a livestock dip
for control of ticks. Previous surveys have also established that species
of the genera Neurautanenia, Boscia, Acanthosicyos, Courbonia and Tephrosia
have acaricidal properties. Cassia abbreviata, "mutili" and
"ombwe" are other promising plants. This work will be guided
by outputs from WP4.
Description of work
Numbers of trials These PRA optimisation trials will be carried
out in three communities consisting of 50 farmers in each country and
all trials will be conducted in consultation with farmers to optimise
the relevance of the project outputs to their livelihoods and increase
the impact.
Post-harvest uses. Pesticidal plants can be used in a number
of ways by farmers to treat stored grain. Some farmers layer or admix
dried plant parts, others produce powders or use water extracts in which
the commodity is then dipped or sprayed with the extract. Research in
other parts of Africa indicates that these variable methods in addition
to dose can significantly influence the efficacy [2]. Using farmers’
own grain stores, a series of controlled trials will be carried out to
evaluate different plant materials and application methods. The species,
dose, application, commodity, intended use of grain (seed or food grain)
will be decided in consultation with farmers. Standard methods for sampling
grain over the storage period and determining insect infestation, damage,
and grain loss will be used and sampling will be carried out by scientific
staff alongside farmers. Assessments of grain characteristics such as
tainting, discoloration, marketability will be evaluated in blind tests
with farmers and in local markets.
Vegetable production Pesticidal plants are used commonly to treat
kitchen gardens crops including leafy, fruiting or root vegetables. In
these cases most farmers choose to extract plant parts in water and spray
over the crop. However, variability still exists, e.g. cold or hot water
extracts, duration of extraction, in sun or shade and these application
variations will be captured within managed trials to establish application
rates, frequency and concentration. Damage will be evaluated using standardised
methods.
Ectoparasite control. Field experiments will be carried out with
plants identified through surveys in WP2 to determine potential value
as acaricides with selected plants species by treating animals using indigenous
techniques and with traditional plant preparation.
Deliverables
Simple protocols on the best way to use pesticidal plant materials, giving
clear statements of efficacy produced for farmers and NGOs.
At least two peer-reviewed journal articles on efficacy and persistence
of pesticidal plant materials in on-farm PRAs.
Information sheets in local languages providing instructions for the safe
and effective use of local pesticidal plants produced.
Programmes promoting the safe and effective use of pesticidal plants aired
on radio and television.
Farmer and NGO workshops held to inform the wider community about the
use of pesticidal plants.
Risks
Parameter set is very large, and it will only be possible to carry out
these experiments with a limited parameter set within the time constraints
and budgets of the proposed action. Trials will, therefore, be limited
in the number of plant species assessed, prioritising parameters based
on discussions with farming communities involved. Participating farmers
may not have sufficient grain for on-farm trials due to drought.
Work package 6: Development and
promotion of sustainable production of botanical pesticides
Lead partner ICRAF
Involved partners UZ, DARS, NRI-UOG, SAFIRE
Objectives
• Generate data on propagation criteria for pesticidal plant materials
that are sought after, rare and/or commonly used by people living in the
Caesalpinioid woodland eco-region.
• Develop improved harvesting protocols for wild-collected plants
at risk of over-collection
• Carry out cultivation trials for promising pesticidal plants with
commercial potential
• Develop improved methods of collecting pesticidal plants that
optimises bioactivity
Justification
The use of pesticidal plants collected from the wild is only sustainable
if small numbers of people use the plant or if the plant is abundant and
ubiquitous or propagated easily. However, demand for some plants is outstripping
supply, particularly as overgrazing or bush fires also reduce supply.
There is little knowledge about growing and propagating some pesticidal
plant species making attempts to cultivate them difficult.
Variation in farmer practice and lack of phytochemical knowledge makes
it difficult to know which the optimal methods for collecting plants are.
Description of work
Propagation. The conditions for germination vary considerably
and plant seeds often need to be stimulated. Trials on the timing of seed
collection, seed drying, storage, and germination are required. These
laboratory-based trials will be carried out for a range of perennial,
annual and woody shrubs/trees which are used as pesticides. Selection
of plants species will be advised through actions described in WP 2 to
5 and particularly through discussion with farming communities.
Sustainable harvesting. In some cases, roots, bark, seeds or
entire plants of pesticidal species are used, and the collection of these
parts is not sustainable. Research in other WPs will help inform this
activity. For example, it may be that where roots are harvested (and so
the plant is killed) active compounds also occur in leaves, and harvesting
these would be more sustainable. Trials to improve the way certain species
are harvested will be carried out in collaboration with farming communities
as described in WP 6. These trials will assess the impact of modified
harvesting methods on abundance of the species within a restricted area
and compare this to similar areas where modified harvesting has not been
practiced.
Cultivation. Data generated through propagation trials will lead
to on-farm trials where farmers cultivate pesticidal plants. These trials
will assess germination and production inputs required. Samples collected
will be chemically analysed to compare with wild plants.
Harvesting. The plant compounds in pesticidal plants can vary
according to location and season and since their efficacy as pest control
agents depends on plant compounds harvesting times can be crucial in optimising
their efficacy. A list of plant species will be made through discussion
with farming communities and based on existing knowledge and that generated
within this project. Samples will be collected from up to ten species
to determine whether this variation affects bioactive content. Variability
among samples will be in WP 3.
Processing. Once harvested plant materials are usually dried,
ground or extracted to give a product which is used immediately, stored
or sold. Exposure to sunlight and oxidation can change chemistry and so
it’s bioactivity, so trials will be carried out to evaluate differences
in the way in which farmers may process pesticidal plant species. Variability
in bioactivity from different processing will be determined in WP 4.
Deliverables
Guidelines on collecting and cultivating pesticidal plants that are not
presently cultivated and are threatened.
Protocols produced for sustainable harvesting and effective preparation
of pesticidal plant material.
Farmer and NGO workshops to inform the wider farming community about sustainable
use of pesticidal plants and their cultivation.
Policy document on sustainable use of pesticidal plants and conservation
of Caesalpinioid woodland habitats across the region.
Risks
Action will be limited to a list of key plant species only, up to a maximum
of 10. Data on safety, efficacy & acceptability collected in other
WPs indicate the plant can be used sustainably with minimal health risk.
Parameter set is very large, and it will only be possible to carry trials
for a limited parameter set. Prioritisation of parameters based on discussions
with farming communities and existing knowledge will be crucial to achieve
best results.
Work package 7: Maximise availability
of plant pesticides to small-scale farmers
Lead partner SAFIRE
Involved partners NRI-UOG, RBGKEW, ICRAF, DARS,
Objectives
• Encourage the marketing of pesticidal plants as a cash crop for
small-scale farmers living in the Caesalpinioid woodland eco-region
Justification
This is an essential step towards the formalisation of pesticidal plant
use for agricultural pest management, particularly if government and non-governmental
organisations continue to promote the use of wild plants. Demand for pesticidal
plants will continue to grow, which can only realistically be met through
their cultivation and marketing.
Description of work
Market surveys. Establish which plants are already sold in markets,
prices, demand, and the marketing chain involved. Perceptions of the target
users will also be obtained through the market surveys. This work will
be done through surveying local and regional markets using questionnaires
and structured discussion with individuals and groups of market traders,
purchasers, suppliers and producers in each of the target countries (Zimbabwe,
Zambia and Malawi). Common protocols will be developed to ensure results
are comparable. The data will be analysed and used to produce a report
on the market potential for pesticidal plants derived from the Caesalpinioid
woodland habitat.
Deliverables
Policy and socio-economic report on market potential of pesticidal plant
materials from Caesalpinioid woodland habitats.
Workshops for NGOs and farmers to promote the supply of pesticidal plants
by small scale enterprises in each country.
Risks
None anticipated.
Work package 8: Organise workshops
and training courses with inputs by UK experts
Lead partner NRI-UOG
Involved partners RBGKEW, ICRAF, UZ, DARS, SAFIRE
Objectives
• Build capacity in SADC scientists and institutes to evaluate,
develop and promote use of botanical pesticides
Justification
This is an essential component of building a project exit strategy. By
ensuring that local scientists are able to carry out similar work beyond
the life time of the project the work will continue to develop this important
resource for small-scale farmers and continue to …..
Description of work
Workshops. At least 5 workshops will be held that formally provide
tutoring for SADC partners i) Habitat surveys and data-basing (RBG-KEW
to lead)
ii) Analytical chemistry & quality control of pesticidal products
(NRI-UOG to lead)
iii) Horticulture and seed germination of wild plants (RBG-Kew to lead)
iv) Participatory Rural Appraisals and livelihoods studies (NRI-UOG to
lead)
v) Promotion and marketing techniques (NRI-UOG to lead)
Deliverables
At least 5 scientists will be trained in each country in technical aspects
of development and promotion of botanical pesticides
Risks
Suitable candidates are available for training.
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