Newswise — In a recent publication in the CABI Agriculture and Bioscience journal, a study highlighted the eagerness of small-scale papaya farmers in Kenya to decrease their reliance on chemical pesticides for combating the papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus).
The CABI researchers conducted an extensive investigation involving 383 farming households across four counties in Kenya. Additionally, they conducted key informant interviews with eight extension agents and thirty agro-dealers, as well as eight focus group discussions.
The findings of the study revealed that due to the urgent need to combat invasive alien pests, farmers frequently turn to the use of broad-spectrum insecticides. However, the study emphasized that biological control, which is a more sustainable approach to pest management, is highly suitable for the smallholder production context prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
Kate Constantin, the Project Scientist at CABI and the lead author of the study, commented, "In Sub-Saharan Africa, there have been limited successful endeavors in utilizing biological control for arthropod pests. One of the significant factors contributing to this is the inadequate involvement of farming communities and extension services in disseminating relevant information."
Constantin further highlighted, "Invasive species pose a transboundary challenge, presenting a social dilemma. To achieve the best possible outcome for all individuals affected, a collective management response is necessary."
The scientists aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of smallholder farmers regarding biological control. They also examined the farmers' willingness to decrease their reliance on chemical pesticides. Additionally, the study explored the levels of support for implementing a classical biological control (CBC) program specifically targeting the papaya mealybug in Kenya.
Furthermore, the study identified a significant level of awareness among farmers regarding the detrimental effects and risks posed by chemical pesticides on human health and the environment.
The study revealed that while farmers displayed a certain level of awareness regarding the concept of biological control, they lacked sufficient knowledge, experience, and technical support from extension services or agro-dealers. The reasons cited for the limited utilization of biological control methods included inadequate awareness and concerns regarding their effectiveness and safety.
Ms Constatine added, “Farmers expressed high levels of interest and willingness to support a classical biological control programme.
Significantly, the majority of farmers expressed their willingness to decrease their reliance on chemical pesticides in order to protect the parasitoid biological control agent, Acerophagus papayae. This finding suggests the potential for collective community action to support and promote the conservation of this natural pest control method.
In the past, there has been insufficient emphasis on farmer participation, inclusion, and social factors in the implementation of biological control methods. This oversight has contributed to limited success in developing countries when it comes to effectively utilizing biological control strategies.
Both farmers and extension personnel emphasized the criticality of involving the community from the outset of any initiative. This early engagement is crucial to ensure community ownership and long-term sustainability of the implemented measures.
“The next steps include targeted awareness-raising, capacity building and effective information dissemination.”
The scientists further noted that their research unveiled noteworthy variations in farmer perceptions based on counties and gender. These differences in perspectives are valuable for directing resources and efforts more effectively in future endeavors.
The study revealed that a greater number of men perceived biological control as useful and necessary compared to women. This finding indicates the importance of enhancing women's awareness and understanding of biological control methods to promote their engagement and participation in sustainable pest management practices.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s43170-023-00161-7#citeas
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