Vegetables are a critical component of balanced nutrition but present many production challenges in tropical countries.  Among these, plant diseases are especially important and are a major factor contributing to low yield and quality.  In addition, due to poorly developed agricultural extension and subsequent lack of knowledge about disease management, pesticide misuse has become a serious problem.  OSU researchers and extension specialists lead a 4-year project in Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia funded by USAID under the umbrella of the Integrated Pest Management Innovation Laboratory (IPM IL) to work with local researchers, extension personnel and smallholder farmers to develop and implement pest management systems that are effective and reduce the use of pesticides.  The current project builds on more than 20 years of OSU’s leadership in IPM in the region.  Farmer and extension worker participation is key to progress in improving vegetable crop production in East Africa.Dr. Sally Miller, Professor of Vegetable Pathology, Diagnostics, and International Development in the Department of Plant Pathology will discuss the development of integrated strategies to manage diseases of vegetable crops in Tanzania, Kenya and Ethiopia and the use of outcome mapping to monitor program progress, measure outcomes and predict behavioral change.