Table 4 Strengths and Weakness of the identified options
Option | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
Regulation | Strong legislative framework exists. Easy to implement Technical basis strong Past history of success | Â |
Repackage | Legislation exist Create price variation between more toxic and less toxic products Safe dose for human consumption could be extrapolated Safety measures could be added to product Implementation responsibility of private industry | Â |
Tax | Price signals can be effective for use in public health | Potential political involvement Politically difficult to implement changes to taxation structures Ministry of Finance and Planning may be against variable taxes on certain products |
IPM | Already current policy supported by Department of Agriculture | Lack of impact on poisoning Doesn't remove pesticides from the home Requires changes to farmer behaviour |
Biopesticides | Could align with other agricultural and environmental priorities | Expensive to implement Needs significant research Lack of impact on poisoning Requires changes to farmer behaviour |
Safe storage | Widely supported by industry and international agencies | Lack of evidence Difficult to implement nationally Changes storage patterns into the home Requires changes to farmer behaviour |
Dealer training | Dealer training programs already in place | Only 20-30% access directly through dealers Lack of impact on poisoning |
Advertising | Current legislation provides some guidance for advertising and marketing | Unclear about what messages could be used Influence of marketing and commission structures impede implementation Dealers very influential in farmer selection |