Interview with Tim McNary, June 10, 2022

Interview Summary

Tim McNary Niger 1983-1986 - Before joining the Peace Corps, McNary worked as an agricultural entomologist; in the Peace Corps, he was posted in Niamey, the capital city of Niger, where he worked in an agricultural research center. In conjunction with a UN project, he worked as a field biologist on pest control , especially grasshoppers, locusts and caterpillars. He trained local farmers to collect data on these insects, and to use it in preventing diseases in the crops; he wrote a book on the effects of grasshoppers in Niger, as well. McNary also learned the value of collecting solid data for research purposes. He values the conversations that he had with people, especially in the farmers in the field. Upon returning to the States, McNary worked for the Department of Agriculture for 27 years. In retirement, he curates the grasshopper collection at the Colorado State University.

Interview Keyword

Agricultural entomologist Niamey, Niger Agricultural research center UN project Field biologist Pest control Grasshoppers Locusts Caterpillars Prevent disease Department of Agriculture Colorado State University

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