ABSTRACT
Effective management of area-wide integrated pest management (AW-IPM) programmes that integrate the sterile insect technique (SIT) is key to their success. Programme planning includes collection of baseline data and technical and financial feasibility assessments. Programmes should be initiated only if there is strong stakeholder support and political long-term commitment. The optimal management structure permits the programme to be implemented effectively and flexibly, as independent as possible of government politics and routine bureaucracy that can impede timely goal achievement. At the same time, high-level oversight is required to avoid corruption and to benefit from expert committees that provide independent technical advice. Ideally, programmes include a mixture of public management and the outsourcing of some routine tasks to private management. They require strong and steady financial support. Governments and donors are the most common sources of funds, but a mixture of public, community, and private funds is now the trend. Interrupted cash flow severely restrains programme performance. Physical support of programme infrastructure and operations must be reliable, and led by a maintenance professional. It is essential to have full-time, well-paid, and motivated staff led by a programme manager with technical and management experience. Poor management and inadequate support often result in programme failure.
