Do agricultural insecticides utilisation in West and Central Africa select for insecticide resistance in the major malaria vector An. gambiae sl.?

Insecticide resistance in major malaria vectors significantly weakens control efforts and limits capacities of eliminating this disease. Agricultural use of pesticides has been suggested as a key factor contributing to resistance selection across west and central Africa. However, these preliminary findings need to be substantiated by stronger evidences from more extensive investigations. This 5-year’s proposed research will (i)help establish the resistance selection risk associated with different cropping systems, will set basis for an evidence-based dialog between public health and agricultural sectors on best ways to use existing insecticides and also anticipate on the use of new compounds,(ii)will inform on the level/intensity of selection pressure exercised by different types of insecticide residues left in breeding sites after crops treatments,(iii)will contribute to the development of molecular markers for early detection, monitoring and surveillance of insecticide resistance for improved control of malaria vectors. Information from this research will be compiled for sensitizing both agriculture extension-workers and malaria control decision makers on the need for cross-sectoral resistance management strategies (One-Health Concept).

Project details

Insecticide Resistance

May 2019 — May 2024

$864,297

United Kingdom