Systems Thinking for In-Depth Insect Pest Identification in Vegetable Farming through Collaborative Diversity Initiatives with Farmers

Authors

Frank Y. Adusei, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityFollow
Hannah Scherer, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityFollow
Loy V. Crowder, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityFollow

Keywords

Systems thinking, Understanding by Design, Pest, Training, Farmers, Extension professional

Abstract

This paper addresses the ongoing challenge of vegetable pest management in Sub-Saharan Africa by offering a comprehensive framework for farmers to effectively identify, manage, and control pests. It enhances agricultural sustainability and productivity by applying systems thinking principles and proposing a holistic training program. The methodology emphasizes continuous assessment, using performance tasks and diverse evidence sources to ensure farmers acquire and apply knowledge effectively in real-world agricultural settings. Through integrating multimedia tools, field demonstrations, and participatory evaluations, the training is designed to be engaging and adaptable to various learning styles. To meet the diverse needs of farmers, the program uses the backward design approach and the Distinctions, Systems, Relationships, and Perspectives framework, promoting inclusive, context-sensitive agricultural development. This ensures that training is both practical and accessible, fostering sustainable pest management practices that can be scaled and adapted to different regions. Researchers, extension professionals, and educators will find this paper valuable for its focus on innovative, hands-on training models. It aligns with contemporary agricultural goals, emphasizing adaptable and scalable solutions for sustainable farming. The integration of practical learning, multimedia, and participatory evaluations ensures that the program is versatile and effective, making it a relevant resource for those working to improve agricultural education in SSA and beyond.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Adusei, F. Y., Scherer, H., & Crowder, L. V. (2025). Systems Thinking for In-Depth Insect Pest Identification in Vegetable Farming through Collaborative Diversity Initiatives with Farmers. Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education, 32(1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.4148/2831-5960.1459