Growth rates in the consumption of pesticides in
developing countries are high: between 1980 and 1985
increases of 30% in Indonesia, 20% in Pakistan, 14% in
Sri Lanka and 10% in Western Samoa were reported
(Asian Development Bank, 1987; cited in Conway and
Pretty, 1991). This is partly due to increased population
pressures on limited natural resources; pesticides
provide a short-term solution by reducing wastage
caused by crop damage. But there is also a growing
demand for pesticides because of a phenomenon
known as the pesticide treadmill. Increasing amounts of
increasingly potent pesticides tend to be required to
mainta;ln the same level of control over pests. Pests can
develop resistance after repeated exposure to pesticides
(particularly if dosages used are too low), so the
chemicals become less effective. In addition, pesticides
tend to be toxic not only to the pests, but also to the
pests’ natural predators. Often the consequence is a
resurgence of the pest population, and the application
of more pesticides. A proportional increase in the
incidence of pesticide poisoning would be expected.