Bitter Pills:Medicines & The Third World Poor | Page 287

Pesticides are a growing problem
for the Third World poor.
They bring a promise of higher yields, more food for the hungry and freedom
from the scourge of insect-borne disease. But they also threaten the health and
livelihood of rural people.
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As pesticides kill off the natural enemies of pests and encourage
the pests to develop resistance, so Third World farmers are faced
with a treadmill of rising costs and deteriorating control.

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Anti-malaria campaigns suffer when agricultural pesticides accelerate the development of resistant mosquitoes.

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Poverty, illiteracy and heat mean farm labourers use very toxic
pesticides under hopelessly unsafe conditions. Poisoning is widespread.
Inadequate labelling and questionable marketing practices increase
the dangers just where controls are lacking and extra care is most
needed.

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Despite the hazards, pesticides restricted in the rich world continue to be exported to the poor without proper safeguards.

A Growing Problem investigates the alarming facts from the perspective of the
poor. It suggests how to make the most of pesticides while minimising the
dangers.
A Growing Problem describes initiatives under way to use and control pesticides for the benefit of the poor. It concludes with a series of practical suggestions for action by governments, industry and international organisations.
This thoroughly documented study is brought to life by evidence from OXFAM's
first hand experience and contacts in the Third World. Real-life stories remind
us of the human dimension.
A Growing Problem makes vital reading for all those interested in the struggles
of the Third World poor and the plight of the world's environment.
A Growing Problem is essential reading for students, scientists and all those with
a professional interest in pesticides, agriculture, health and ecology.
A Growing Problem - pesticides and the Third World poor, by David Bull.
Publication: July 1982, £4.95 (plus p&p*).
A Growing Problem is published by OXFAM and distributed by TWP.
Trade enquiries to: Third World Publications, 151 Stratford Rd., Birmingham B11 1RD, UK.
TO:

OXFAM
274 Banbury Road,
Oxford, OX2 7DZ,
U.K.

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A Growing Problem to:
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