PAN International Website

Ecological/sustainable agriculture  
Recommended reading  

Many of the titles below are available from Amazon.co.uk, and can be ordered by clicking on the ISBN number. Any purchases from Amazon made in this way will earn PAN UK a small commission, so using these links is another way to support our work. Thank you.

A Growing Problem: Pesticides and the Third World Poor, David Bull, Paperback (15 July, 1982), Oxfam; ISBN: 0855980648

Investigates the situation from the viewpoint of the poor. Suggests how to make the most of pesticides while minimising the dangers. Practical proposals for action by governments, industry and international organisations.

Techniques for Reducing Pesticide Use: Economic and Environmental Benefits, David Pimentel Hardcover - 456 pages (20 February, 1997), John Wiley and Sons Ltd; ISBN: 0471968382

The cost of pesticides does not include environmental & public health costs. Pimentel argues that techniques are available to reduce pesticide use by at least 50%, without reducing crop yields or substantially altering cosmetic standards of fresh fruit and vegetables.
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African Gardens and Orchards Hughes Dupriez, Philippe de Leener; Paperback - 340 pages      (15 May, 1990), Macmillan Education Ltd; ISBN: 033349076

Covers the principles and practice of growing vegetables and fruits in the tropics and subtropics. Describes the requirements of these crops, the techniques of cultivation and full details of a wide range of fruit and vegetables.
Natural Crop Protection in the Tropics, Gaby Stoll, Paperback (December 1987), J Margraf, Germany; ISBN: 3924333432

The author aims to make existing knowledge on crop protection in the Tropics more easily available. She presents it in a form which encourages farmers to make their own trials and experiment further with traditional methods.

The Greening of the Revolution : Cuba's Experiment With Organic Agriculture, Peter Rosset (Editor), Medea Benjamin (Editor), Paperback - 85 pages (March 1995), Ocean Press (AU); ISBN: 187528480X

A detailed account of Cuba's system of organic agriculture.

The Living Land, Jules Pretty; Earthscan; Paperback - 336 pages new edition (1 Sept, 1999), ISBN: 185383517X

“We can live better in more connected communities, we can protect our natural environment, we can eat well and safely.” A vision of rural regeneration in Europe,  integrating sustainable agriculture, localised food systems & rural community development. Using clear argument supported by extensive research this is essential reading for anyone interested in agriculture, the environment or rural development.                     Click here for full review

The Killing of the Countryside, Graham Harvey, Paperback - 224 pages new edition (5 Mar, 1998), Vintage; ISBN: 0099736616 Hardcover - 288 pages (6 March, 1997), Jonathan Cape; ISBN: 02240444403

Argues the need for a food and farming policy that serves the public interest and encourages a safe, sustainable farming system. 

Regenerating Agriculture: Policies and Practice for Sustainability and Self-Reliance, Jules N. Pretty, Paperback - 320 pages (March 1995), Earthscan; ISBN:  1853831980, Hardcover - 320 pages (March 1995), ISBN: 1853832278

Lists the challenges facing modern agriculture, and  empirical evidence to support more sustainable practices. 

Organic Cotton: From Field to Final Product, Dorothy Myers (Editor), Sue Stolton (Editor), Paperback - 272 pages (February 1999), ITDG Publishing; ISBN: 1853394645 - order from the PAN UK publications page

An overview of organic cotton production, processing and consumption. The book is clear about the resources required at each stage, giving  the pros and cons of alternative methods available. It includes case studies and contributions from organic cotton projects around the world, and the views of manufacturers using organic cotton.

Insect Pest Management, D. Dent, Paperback - 432 pages 2nd Ed (17 August, 2000), Cabi Publishing; ISBN: 0851993419, Hardcover - 452 pages 2nd Ed (17 August, 2000), ISBN: 0851993400

An in-depth study of all aspects of IPM including biological control, monitoring and forecasting, yield loss assessment, insecticides, cultural control, host plant resistance and the use of semiochemicals.

Agroecology: the science of sustainable agriculture, Miguel A. Altieri, Paperback - 448 pages 2nd Ed (November 1995), ITDG Publishing; ISBN: 1853392952

Based on new research results and practical findings, this revised and technical edition re-emphasises the importance of agro-ecology in providing the basic principles of studying, designing & managing agro-ecosystems.  Systems that are productive and yet conserve natural resources, and which are also culturally-sensitive, socially-just and economically viable. 

Biotechnology: Building on Farmers' Knowledge, Joske F.G. Bunders (Editor), Bertus Haverkort (Editor), Wim Hiemstra (Editor), Paperback - 256 pages (14 March, 1997), Macmillan Education Ltd; ISBN: 0333670825

Participatory and interactive methodology for development of biotechnologies for small-scale farmers in the tropics that build on farmers' knowledge and make use of the latest scientific insights and development systems.

Developing On-farm Research, Nora McNamara, Stephen Morse, Paperback - 172 pages (1996), On Stream Publications; ISBN: 1897685882

On-farm research that uses active participation by the indigenous population can be a means of overcoming the problems of famine. The book identifies obstacles to progress and proposes solutions that adapt modern technology to traditional institutions and farming systems.

Farming for the Future, Coen Reijntjes, Bertus Haverkort, Ann Waters-Bayer, Paperback - 272 pages (10 March, 1992), Macmillan Education Ltd; ISBN: 0333570111

Discusses how development workers can assist small-scale farmers in making the best use of low-cost local resources to solve agricultural problems. Includes Participatory Technology Development; site specific solutions; and practical information on soil fertility, manures, mulching, soil & water conservation, farm trees, non-chemical pest & disease control etc. Presented simply with photos & case studies. A useful source book for mixed cropping systems.

Priorities in Biopesticide Research and Development in Developing Countries, Jeremy Harris and David Dent Paperback - 80 pages (25 July, 2000), Cabi Publishing ISBN: 0851994792

Biological pesticides based on pathogenic micro-organisms specific to a target pest can offer an effective solution to pest problems; whilst posing less threat to the environment & human health than chemical pesticides. But despite their enormous potential their development, commercialisation and use has been slow. The information in this report is based on a survey of more than 100 biopesticide research workers in developing countries.  Click here for full review

New ways of developing agricultural technologies: the Zanzibar experience with participatory IPM, Gerard Bruin and Frans Meerman; Paperback - 167pp (2001), Wageningen University and Research Centre  

Tells the story of an international collaboration in crop protection that evolved over 16 years in Zanzibar. The project developed from a top-down activity focusing on the strengthening of a government plant protection organisation to a successful process of bottom-up development in subsistence agriculture. A resource for all stakeholders in IPM & participatory research, from policy maker to farmer.

Alternatives to pesticides in tropical countries, AT Dudani; Vigyan Prasar; 260pages (1999) 

Background to the history of pesticide use tracing the gradual increase in both use & production, with particular reference to the author's local knowledge of India. While outlining the hazards of overuse, explains the importance of international guidelines. Addresses the background to sustainable agriculture in some detail; also integrated pest management & technologies for reducing dependence on pesticides. Concludes that societies should be moving more quickly towards ecological farming.
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Organic farming in Europe: Economics and Policy, Volume 1; N. Lampkin, C. Foster, S. Padel & P. Midmore; University of Honhenheim; 166 pages

Organic farming could potentially reshape European agriculture. A recent report sets out the policy & regulatory environment within which organic farming operates in all European Union (EU) countries, and in the three non-EU states of Norway, Switzerland & the Czech Republic.
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1999 Organic Farm Management Handbook, Nic Lampkin and Mark Measures (Eds); Elm Farm Research Centre, 163 pages (1999) 

In the five years since the first edition of the Organic Farm Management Handbook there have been a great number of developments affecting the organic sector in the UK. Organic production standards have been revised and upgraded, and the rules & payment rates for arable area & livestock premium payments have changed significantly. 

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Empowering Farmers: The Philippine National Integrated Pest Management Program, Jose Medina and Damaso Callo; SEARCA College; 146 pages (1999) 

Kasakalikasan, the Philippine Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Programme, was launched in 1993 to train & empower farmers to become experts in their own fields by developing their ability to make critical and informed decisions, & to make crop protection systems more productive, profitable and sustainable. It aims to make IPM the standard approach to crop husbandry and pest management in rice, maize and vegetable production in the Philippines. Click here for full review
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Studies on IPM Policy in SE Asia: Two centuries of plant protection in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand Jan Oudejans; Backhuys Publishers; 316 pages (1999) 

Reviews the development of agriculture & pesticide use in Indonesia, Malaysia & Thailand. The pesticide markets in all 3 countries are analysed & the book describes pest & disease problems and their control in rice, vegetables & fruits, and several major estate crops. Click here for full review

Recent Advances in Arthropod Endocrinology, Geoffrey Coast and George Webster (Eds.); Cambridge University Press; Hardcover - 424 pages (26 February, 1998) ISBN: 0521591139

Studying the endocrine systems of insects can help to develop new ways of controlling major agricultural pests. Knowledge in this area has increased significantly in the last decade. This volume brings together contributions from many of the leading academic workers in the field, providing in-depth accounts of the current state of knowledge of a wide range of hormonal systems. 
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