Ecologically-based management of rodents in rainfed cropping systems in Myanmar

• Central Agricultural Research Institute, Burma (Myanmar)
• Myanmar Agricultural Service, Burma (Myanmar)

The dominant cropping systems in Burma (Myanmar) occur in lowland areas. The crops paddy rice, corn, oilseed, sugar and pulses all rely on rainfall for their growth. Rice is the leading crop and staple food, and more than half is grown in lowland, rainfed farming conditions. The cropping cycle usually involves rotating a main rice crop with other crops grown during spring and winter.
Rodent pests commonly damage all these crops and make a significant impact on both pre- and postharvest production. Estimates put production losses due to rats (the main rodent pest) at between 11 and 30 per cent each year. Rats also carry a number of diseases affecting humans and livestock, but farmers believe rats are the problem over which they have the least control.
The type of rats found in Burma, including the biology of the main species, is unclear. This information, along with data on rat distribution, habitats and population dynamics, is important in developing and adapting controls against these pests. Better controls were urgently needed as the rat problem in Burma was chronic rather than intermittent, and controls already in use included poisons that could cause health problems for farming communities. The poorest communities suffered most in this situation because they could least afford expensive controls and could do little else to reduce harvest losses.

The project aimed to define rodent communities present in diverse cropping environments in Myanmar and identify the key pest species. Researchers sought to understand the knowledge, attitudes and practices of farmers and current control approaches, and to develop and trial options for community-based, ecologically sensitive rodent management in the rainfed lowland cropping environment. They also needed to train National Agricultural Research and Extension Services (NARES) partners in principles and practices of rodent biology, ecology and management

The research team undertook a detailed study of rodent taxonomy, habitat use and population dynamics at two rural localities in the lowland rainfed environment in Myanmar. They identified the key pest species and their pre- and post-harvest impact in the dominant rainfed lowland farming system, and undertook analysis of historical records to determine environmental factors that could influence the timing and severity of rodent damage across the major cropping zones in Myanmar.
The team also undertook a geographically broad-ranging taxonomic and habitat survey of the rodent pests of the other major cropping environments in Myanmar, and identified the current individual and community approaches to control. Researchers also assessed whether positive changes in farmer knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) would occur as a result of the introduction of novel technologies.
The team undertook an experimental assessment of the applicability of existing technologies of rodent control, developed in irrigated lowland rice systems in SE Asia, and supervised field trials of various existing and novel methods of community ecologically-based rodent management. Their work included consultation with farmer groups.
The final stage of the project involved training and engagement of partners in project activities, with the aim of integrating the partners into the Asian Rodent Network through the IRRI Rodent Ecology Work Group

In overall terms the project made good progress against the objectives, particularly when it is considered that there had been little previous background work in Myanmar. Identification of rodent biology, taxonomy and impacts has been a useful addition to the knowledge base including seasonality issues.

There was also an impressive attempt to identify and document farmer knowledge, attitudes and practices on rodent management, which is important for both its own sake and in terms of future adoption strategies.

The trialling of options for community-based and ecologically sound rodent management was reasonable, although there appears to have been over emphasis on the trap barrier system (TBS) during the project as compared with other possible innovations. The issue of cost and effectiveness of TBS remains an ongoing area of concern at the farmer level although trial results have been positive. Farmers involved in the trials are likely to continue improved practices and to possibly transfer their knowledge in a limited number of village communities.

The training of partners to develop capacity in this field was impressive and a significant feature of achievement in this project. This involved both informal and formal training mechanisms well suited to Myanmar's educational and social circumstances.