Data is provided on available short courses in plant protection and on FAO's training activities. FAO's findings on training needs of manpower for agriculture and rural development in Africa are briefly discussed. The need for a national plan for plant protection which can be implemented gradually is stressed. Such plans should be the basis for identifying realistic training needs. Regional co-operation for providing post-graduate training in plant protection is required. Training is especially needed in developing and in introducing safe, economic and effective plant protection measures at farm level. To achieve this, a multi-disciplinary approach is required and relevant training should be given to administrators, researchers, extension personnel and farmers. Of the various subject matters of entomology, in particular, more training is needed in biological control, being one of the cornerstones of the IPM strategy.
