The concept of an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy is explored using case-study evidence from smallholder agriculture in southern Malawi. The conventional concept of strategy as a ‘plan’ is contrasted with the use of strategy as a game, as a performance, and as an accident. This pluralistic view is echoed in recent literature on business strategy. A typology is developed that relates farmers' choice of IPM strategy to the predictability of crop losses, the stability of the crop environment, and farmers' knowledge of pests. Some implications for IPM are explored. Where conditions favour ‘adaptive’ rather than planned IPM strategies, formal experimentation to verify farmers' strategies may be an inefficient use of resources. Where the crop environment is volatile and several pests attack the crop simultaneously, there may be limited scope to increase the adoption of IPM strategies by improving farmer knowledge of pest biology. Addressing the interactions between pest and crop management is critical in making IPM relevant for resource-poor farmers. A deeper understanding of farmers' management strategies is required to frame meaningful recommendations.