Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-lnqnp Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-23T12:36:13.519Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

The development of books and other resource materials for training tropical entomologists

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 September 2011

Mary J. N. Okwakol
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
Eldad M. Tukahirwa
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
Get access

Abstract

The paper attempts to assess the current status of books and other resource materials for training tropical entomologists and to suggest ways and means of developing appropriate materials. Attention is drawn to the increasing importance of the study of insects in the tropics and hence the need to train more and more entomologists of all categories and specialization.

Noting the fact that most textbooks used at all levels of university teaching mainly concentrate on describing temperate situations, it is suggested that entomologists in the tropics should make special effort to write books that discuss and give examples of situations obtaining in tropical areas.

In recognition of the close link existing between theoretical and practical work, writing of clear and detailed manuals and guides to help students in the practical aspects of entomology should also be encouraged. Related to this aspect of training, engineering workshops where equipment necessary for practical exercises or research can be designed and constructed should be developed so as to minimise problems caused by inability to import such equipment.

The shortage of insect taxonomists is highlighted and a number of measures to overcome this problem are suggested.

Résumé

Cet article tente de recenser les livres et d'évaluer l'état du matériel actuellement disponible pour la formation des entomologistes tropicaux. Il suggère comment pourraient être développés des matériels appropriés. Il attire l'attention du lecteur sur l'importance des recherches consacrées au insectes sous les tropiques et sur la nécessité de former de plus en plus d'entomologistes spécialisés, dans tous les domaines.

Constatant que la plupart des ouvrages utilisés à tous les niveaux de l'enseignement universitaire se consacrent à la descripton des milieux tempérés, l'article suggère que les entomologistes tropicaux fassent l'effort d'écrire des livres consacrés aux situations locales et donnent des exemples tirés des zones tropicales.

Constatant le lien étroit qui existe entre la théorie et la pratique, il encourage aussi les entomologistes à écrire des manuels clairs et détaillés et des guides susceptibles d'aider les étudiants dans la pratique. Pour améliorer cette formation pratique, des laboratoires convenablement équipés pour les travaux pratiques et la recherche devraient être conçus et construits de façon à minimiser l'importance des problèmes suscités par l'incapacité d'importer ces équipements.

L'article met aussi l'accent sur la pénurie des insectes naturalisés et suggère un certain nombre de mesures pour régler ce problème.

Type
Symposium XII: Training in Tropical Entomology
Copyright
Copyright © ICIPE 1987

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

Chapman, R. F. (1971) The Insects—Structure and Function. 2nd ed.New York.Google Scholar
Imms, A. D. (1965) A General Textbook of Entomology. New York, Methuen.Google Scholar
Price, P. W. (1975) Insect Ecology. New York, Wiley.Google Scholar
Ramoser, W. S. (1981) The Science of Entomology. New York. Macmillan.Google Scholar
Ross, H. H. (1965) A Textbook of Entomology. New York. Wiley.Google Scholar
Wigglesworth, V. B. (1972) The Principles of Insect Physiology. London, Chapman and Hall.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Youdeowei, A. (1974) Dissection of the Variegated Grasshopper, Zonocerus variegatus. Ibadan Oxford University Press.Google Scholar
Youdeowei, A. (1977) A Laboratory Manual of Entomology. Ibadan Oxford University Press.Google Scholar