ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses how Philippine rice farmers came to depend on insecticides, whether this dependency is needed to keep up their rice production or income, and how since 1974, they have begun training for self-reliance in a practical alternative, integrated pest management. Between 1976 and 1984, over 330 farmers' crops were used to compare treated with untreated fields. In only 50% of these was there a measurable yield loss to insects. In irrigated areas growing resistant varieties, starting with IR36, the proportion of fields showing yield loss to insects dropped to 42%. Changes in insecticide use among Philippine irrigated rice farmers from 1954-1984 are shown. Irrigation makes two rice crops a year possible. Clearly, alternative insect control technology, using insecticides on a need basis with proper identification, could save rice farmers money and improve the benefits derived from insect control.
