The Role for Drones in Future Aerial Pesticide Applications

Aircraft have been used to apply pesticides for decades, but their use has been largely confined to spraying crops grown on very large fields, mostly in north, central and south America. Aerial spraying has also been vital in controlling locust swarms spread over vast areas. The development of unmanned aircraft, known as drones, has benefitted smallscale farmers as the drone can be controlled effectively over specific areas. Drones have also benefitted vector control by detecting the breeding sites of mosquitoes, which can be sprayed subsequently with larvicides, or controlled by applying space sprays. Smaller drones are an important way of replacing ground methods in difficult to reach areas such as wetlands, steep terrain for vineyards, and small areas of trees.

Small-Scale Farmers’ Perceptions of Agricultural Information Sources in Northern Haiti

Agricultural extension in developing countries can be a major source of support for small-scale farmers. In Haiti, the majority of the agricultural population is made up of smallscale farmers. In the past, Haiti’s extension system has suffered from various governmental instabilities in the nation. This study sought to (a) determine the information channels smallscale farmers use in the North Department of Haiti, (b) determine the accessibility of quality information as perceived by small-scale farmers in the North Department of Haiti, and (c) identify the perceived barriers to successful production of small-scale farmers in the North Department of Haiti. Results from this study showed Haitian farmers in the North Department gain their information for farming from a variety of sources. The farmers in this study varied in their perceptions of the accessibility of quality information in the area. While some farmers participated in groups with extension services, most farmers had not participated in these groups. Farmers in this study also displayed a lack of trust towards service providers in the region. Farmer perceptions of external factors as barriers towards production illustrated a sense of powerlessness in their production practices. Recommendations include using opinion leaders to engage small-scale farmers and build trust towards service providers.