Course in Pesticides – Pros and Cons

In today’s world, where the demand for higher agricultural productivity and the protection of public health continues to grow, pesticides play a central role as one of the most widely used tools for controlling agricultural pests and preventing the spread of disease. However, while pesticides contribute significantly to improving crop yields and food security, their misuse can lead to serious consequences, ranging from health risks to humans to long-term environmental damage that affects soil fertility, water quality, and biodiversity. For this reason, Geneva Institute of Business Administration offers this specialized training program entitled “Pesticides – Pros and Cons”, which aims to highlight both the advantages and drawbacks of pesticide use, while providing a balanced understanding of safe practices, preventive measures, and sustainable alternatives.

Target Audience

• Agricultural engineers and extension officers who directly handle pesticides in fields, farms, and greenhouses and require deeper technical knowledge.

• Public health and environmental officers responsible for monitoring pesticide use and assessing its impact on health and ecosystems.

• Farm owners and agricultural supervisors seeking to improve their understanding of effective and safe pesticide management.

• Municipal staff and regulatory bodies in charge of overseeing agricultural practices and environmental protection measures.

• Researchers and students in the fields of agriculture, environment, and health who wish to gain broader knowledge of the role and risks of pesticides.

Objectives

• Provide participants with comprehensive knowledge of the nature of pesticides, their main categories, and their different areas of application.

• Enable participants to understand the benefits pesticides bring to agriculture, food security, and pest control when used appropriately.

• Increase awareness of the potential health risks and environmental consequences caused by improper or excessive use of pesticides.

• Develop participants’ ability to identify the preventive measures and safety requirements needed to protect human health and the environment.

• Strengthen institutional and individual awareness of the importance of adopting balanced strategies that ensure the rational and responsible use of pesticides.

Course Outline 

• Concept and Types of Pesticides

  • Definition of pesticides and their primary purpose.

  • Main categories of pesticides (insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, etc.).

  • Differences between chemical pesticides and biopesticides.

  • Leading producers and suppliers of pesticides worldwide.

• Benefits of Pesticide Use in Agriculture

  • Role of pesticides in improving crop quality and productivity.

  • Reduction of agricultural losses caused by pests.

  • Contribution to food security and market stability.

  • Control of vector-borne diseases transmitted by insects.

• Health Risks Associated with Pesticides

  • Acute and chronic poisoning due to direct exposure.

  • Harmful effects on the nervous and respiratory systems.

  • Risks of pesticide residues in food and water.

  • Long-term health effects on humans.

• Environmental Impact of Pesticide Use

  • Effects on soil fertility and microbial balance.

  • Contamination of groundwater and surface water.

  • Harm to non-target organisms and beneficial species.

  • Threats to biodiversity and ecological balance.

• Safe Application and Use of Pesticides

  • Guidelines for selecting the right pesticide for a specific pest.

  • Importance of adhering to recommended dosages.

  • Conditions for proper storage of pesticides.

  • Reading and understanding product labels and instructions.

• Personal Protection in Handling Pesticides

  • Importance of using personal protective equipment.

  • Hygiene practices after pesticide application.

  • Availability of first aid facilities at workplaces.

  • Continuous training for agricultural workers on safe handling.

• Legislation and Policies on Pesticides

  • National laws governing pesticide production and use.

  • Role of international organizations in pesticide regulation.

  • Standards for registration and approval of new pesticides.

  • Responsibilities of producers and distributors.

• Alternatives to Chemical Pesticides

  • Traditional agricultural practices for pest control.

  • Biological control using natural predators.

  • Modern technological innovations offering safer solutions.

  • Organic farming as a sustainable alternative.

• Integrated Pest and Pesticide Management

  • Concept of Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

  • Combining chemical and biological control strategies.

  • Importance of regular pest monitoring and assessment.

  • Developing long-term strategies to reduce pesticide dependence.

• Community Awareness and Rational Pesticide Use

  • Role of public campaigns in promoting safe practices.

  • Encouraging farmers to adopt correct usage methods.

  • Contribution of schools and universities to environmental education.

  • Collaboration between government bodies and civil society.