Pesticide Workshop, 2009
In January, 2009, a workshop was held in Kean Svay, Cambodia, to train six staff (three from CENTDOR, Center for Development Oriented Research and three from RDIC, Resource Development International) in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), data base development and management, and analysis of organophosphate and carbamate pesticides using a plate assay kit. The plate assay is relatively low cost and a technology appropriate approach for pesticide screening in a developing country. The GIS subsequently will be used to map the locations and findings of surveyed pesticide users, as well as the vegetable and market samples. The GIS component of the workshop was taught by Mr. Khim Sosamrach, an RDIC staff member who first learned GIS through Buffalo State/RDIC workshops previously funded by the Conservation, Food & Health Foundation. The plate assay analysis component of the workshop was taught by Ms. Sok Kunthy, an RDIC staff member who supervised Buffalo State and Eastern Mennonite University undergraduates in similar analysis as part of a National Science Foundation (NSF) project in the summer of 2008. The six staff trained at this workshop subsequently conducted the research work for the project Knowledge and Practices of Pesticide Users in Cambodia: Action Towards Reducing Public Health and Environmental Risk, which focused on Kampong Thom province and was funded by the Conservation, Food & Health Foundation.