Agroecological pest management increases income of cashew producers

Cashew farmers who switched to agroecological pest management saved on pesticides and earned more per hectare within three years. (SAMPLE DATA – for training only)

Main message of the chart

The chart compares the net income per hectare of cashew producers using conventional, pesticide-based pest control with producers who adopted agroecological pest management (biological control with weaver ants, intercropping and reduced spraying). In 2019 both groups earned about the same. From 2020 onwards the agroecological group’s income rose steadily, mainly because spending on pesticides fell while yields remained stable.

Implications of the findings

Agroecological pest management can raise farm income without sacrificing yields. Extension services and local authorities should support farmer training on biological control and help farmers reduce their dependence on chemical inputs.

Data source

Illustrative dataset created for this training site. In a real post, describe who collected the data, the method (e.g. household survey of 120 farms), where and when it was collected.

To learn more

Link to the original publication in the ALiSEA Knowledge Hub library