This study examined the effects of pest management advice given at village-based plant clinics in selected regions of Ethiopia on three key crops grown and brought to plant clinics in the study areas: maize, potato and tomato.

The results showed that while there is reduction in use of pesticides among farmers, which can be taken as a positive outcome, there has been an increasing trend in the use of other inputs such as fertilizer and improved seed varieties. Farmers demonstrated better knowledge and practices regarding pesticide use following the plant clinic visit, especially with regards to use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and disposal of empty pesticide containers. They also spent less on pesticides as they started adopting non-chemical pest management options. Indicative results reveal a significant increase in maize, tomato and potato yields and farmers’ income after visiting plant clinics, although this cannot be entirely attributed to plant clinics. The findings suggest that village-based plant clinics enhance farmers’ access to information on sustainable management of plant health problems resulting in increased farmer productivity and income.