WEB-BASED PEST CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM (A CASE STUDY OF MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, UYO)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0 Introduction

This chapter presents the introduction to web based pest control and management information system. It also presents the introduction, background of the study, statement of the problem, aim and objectives of the study, significance of the study, scope of the study, organization of the research and definition of terms.

A web-based pest control and management information system is an online system that enables the uploading of pest control information by the administrators and viewing of the information by the public. This system is necessary because of the damage caused by pests especially when the farmers are ignorant of pest control measures.

Since recorded history, the impact of pests on food crops has been important. Many practices of “traditional” and “modern” agriculture have evolved because of pest problems. Without doubt, pests of food crops influenced the course of civilizations-for example, the ancient Greeks and Romans knew of and used pesticides in the Mediterranean Basin. Crop losses from pests during those times were probably even more severe in the humid tropics, just as they are today. Over the 10,000 or more years that man has cultivated crops, he gradually evolved production systems that ensured an adequate food supply for the family or tribal unit from one harvest until the next. Seeds were selected from plants that survived the rigors of weather and pest infestations; cultivation, planting time, and other production practices were adopted that ensured consistent rather than high but variable yields. At best, however, such ancient practices were based on trial and error without the benefit of modern genetics, chemistry, and cultural capabilities; they were only moderately effective and resulted in relatively low and unstable production levels. Furthermore, effective means did not exist to deal with disasters such as locust plagues and blight. During the last century agriculture in industrial countries has changed from relatively small, labor-intensive, diversified family units to large, highly mechanized operations. As production became concentrated in favorable areas and as monoculture, high fertility, irrigation, and other components of modern agriculture were widely adopted, pest problems frequently became more severe. Insects, disease organisms, and nematode problems were magnified, particularly on fruits and vegetables, and weed problems became more acute as those species most suited for the new cropping systems proliferated. This situation was further exacerbated by the movement of pest species from one continent to another (Alastir, 2003). What makes the problem worse is when there is no information system on pest control measures.

1.1 Background of the Study

In view of the problems posed by pest, and the need to educate and inform farmers about pest control measures, it is vital that a web based pest management information system be provided to farmers for instant information on ways to prevent and combat the different kinds of pest, an information system is needed.

Regarding the circulation of information and ideas, numerous legacy information systems still exist today that are continuously updated to promote ethnographic approaches, to ensure data integrity, and to improve the social effectiveness & efficiency of the whole process. In general, information systems are focused upon processing information within organizations, especially within business enterprises, and sharing the benefits with modern society. For instance, a web based system that can provide information about pests control serves as an information system. A management information system is a class of information systems.

A management information system (MIS) provides information that is needed to manage organizations efficiently and effectively. Management information systems involve three primary resources: people, technology, and information or decision making. Management information systems are distinct from other information systems in that they are used to analyze operational activities in the organization (Laudon and Laudon, 2009).

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The following problems were identified:

1. Absence of a web-based pest management information system
2. Delay to get needed information that pertaining to pest.
3. Manual method of keeping record of pest information makes it difficult to get timely information.

1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of this study is to develop a web based pest control and management information system. The following are the specific objectives:

1. To create a web based information system to capture and store pest management related information to online database for future retrieval.
2. To design a system that will enable registered users to gain access to pest control information.
3. To design a system that can be used to update pest management information easily.
4. To design a system that can be used to obtain needed reports about registered users of the system.