Programme Overview

This Postgraduate diploma is designed to offer expert training in Pesticide Technology and Management, starting with identification, taxonomy, biology, life cycle and nature of damage of pests of agricultural (insects, weeds, plant pathogens, rodents, molluscs) and public health (insects and rodents) importance. It further covers classification of pesticides based on chemistry and mode of action, active ingredient, application technology, safety and regulations for use in agriculture, urban landscapes, parks, structures and buildings, forests, roadside ways, watersheds and public health. It deals with the regional and international regulations and policies that govern pesticide use and management. Pesticide risk assessment and mitigation of risks through different types of remediation have been included in the programme. Students will also study safe alternatives to highly hazardous pesticides and their use in sustainable agriculture.

PROGRAMME GOAL

The main aim of the programme is to equip persons with the required education and expert training that will enable them to function efficiently as Pesticide Regulators, Policy Developers and Technology Managers.

The objectives of this programme are to:

• Produce professionally competent and skilled personnel in the management of pesticides, which can contribute to sustainable food production and environment at regional and international level.
• Strengthen capacity in the region to regulate pesticide use and develop pesticide management policies through understanding of regional and international requirements.
• Cater the academic demand of regional and international working professionals in the field of pesticides and related areas through remote education
• Enable graduates who aspired to become an entrepreneurs, policy makers and leaders in the pesticide industry