Fall armyworm management by smallholder maize farmers in the Zimbabwe Highveld

Abstract

Maize production by smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe plays a key role in national food security and livelihood options at the household level. This role has been threatened by the emergence of the fall armyworm (FAW) in Zimbabwe, a pest that predominantly feeds on maize. The aim of the study was to determine FAW management methods applied by smallholder maize farmers and factors that affect selection of control methods and use personal protective equipment. Data was collected from Makonde district ward 9 and Mazowe district ward 25, maize producing areas. The data was collected through the administration of a structured questionnaire, which was augmented with key informants’ interviews and focus group discussions. Data collected through the structured questionnaire was analysed using the logistical regression model, where a statistically significant relationship was observed it was reported. Results showed that methods used to control FAW were mainly the application of chemical pesticides (76.4%) and crushing of larvae by hand (26.7%). The most commonly used FAW registered pesticides were Lambda cyhalothrin (32%), Emmamectin Benzoate (23.6%) and Carbaryl (9.8%). Non-registered pesticides commonly used pesticides were Methamidophos (3.6%) and Thunder (1.8%). Of the farmers who used chemical pesticides 46.7% perceived that they were effective in controlling the FAW. Only two out of nine registered active ingredients used by the farmers were applied while adhering to the recommended application rates. Fifty three percent (53%) of the farmers stated that they wore coveralls, whilst 52% stated that they wore gumboots, less than 15% wore the remaining recommended PPE. Twenty two percent (22%) did not have any particular clothes for spraying. The main sources of information on fall armyworm identification and control were extension services (58.3%), farmer friends (27.6%), radio (15.6%) and pesticide retailers (7.6%). Regression results showed that male farmers were more likely to use pesticides than female farmers, farmers who were trained on FAW identification and control were also more likely to use pesticides than those not trained. The trained farmers were also shown to be more likely to wear personal protective equipment than those who were not trained on FAW identification and control. This study also recommends the inclusion of standard measuring instruments in all pesticides containers; the pesticide label must include the application rates for 15 and 16 litres knapsack sprayers. Keywords: Smallholder farmers, fall armyworm, pesticides, personal protective equipment, non-chemical control methods