Farmers’ Perceptions of Pest and Disease Control Methods in South-South Nigeria

Godspower Oke Omokaro^1,2

¹Institute of Environmental Engineering, Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), 6Miklukho-MaklayaStreet, 117198, Moscow, Russia

²Department of Soil Science and Land Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, P.M.B 1154, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Corresponding Author Email: omokaro.kelly@gmail.com

DOI : https://doi.org/10.51470/ABF.2024.4.1.11

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INTRODUCTION

In the 1960s, agriculture accounted for about 64% of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but in recent times, its contribution has averaged around 25% [1]. The agricultural sector is crucial in Nigeria, providing food, raw materials, and foreign exchange, and 70% of the population relies heavily on it for their livelihood [2, 3]. Vegetables, for instance, are nutritionally valuable and hold great potential as income-generating crops, supplementing diets that are primarily carbohydrate-based [4]. However, various production challenges exist across the country, including high input costs, transportation issues, market accessibility, and infestations by insect pests and diseases. Insect pest attacks are a major barrier to increasing vegetable production, significantly affecting both quality and yield [5]. Due to the country’s drive to increase agricultural production and the upsurge of different species of pests that damage and ravage agricultural products in fields and storage, farmers have resorted to the use of agrochemicals as an important control strategy. An estimated 125,000–130,000 metric tons of pesticides are used annually [6, 7]. However, Farmers in the Delta State and Edo States of Nigeria adopt various strategies for controlling pests, diseases, and weeds in their agricultural practices. Understanding their perceptions and the methods they employ is crucial for improving agricultural productivity and sustainability. More so, this report examines the control methods used by farmers in these states, focusing on biological and organic controls, integrated pest management (IPM), chemical treatments, and other non-chemical methods.

Description of Study Area

This research was conducted in Uhen community, Edo State, and Songhai community, Delta State, Nigeria. Uhen community is in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State (N6°26’49.9’’ and E5°30’26.1’’). It has a hot and humid tropical climate with seasonal rainfall, high temperatures (28°C to 36°C), and relative humidity (70% to 80%). The area receives over 1,500 mm of annual rainfall, peaking in September and October. The soils are derived from coastal plain sand and alluvial deposits, and the terrain is relatively flat with gentle slopes, at an elevation of 100 meters above sea level [8, 9]. On the other hand, the Songhai community is in Sapele Local Government Area, Delta State, 7 km from Sapele town (5°53’38.58” N and 5°40’35.98” E) and at 11 meters above sea level. It has a tropical climate with annual rainfall around 2000 mm, peaking in June through September, and daily temperatures from 23.0°C to 27.6°C. Relative humidity ranges from 72.5% to 95.0%. The area features rainforest vegetation with swampy areas near streams. About 70% of the population is engaged in farming, growing crops like yams, rice, cowpea, watermelon, cassava, plantain, fluted pumpkin, and okra. The main farming system is shifting cultivation. The soils range from light to dark grey, fine sand to silty clay [10, 11].

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Data was collected through the administration of questionnaires to randomly selected respondents, who were farmers living in the study area.One hundred and sixty (160) farmers were surveyed, 80 from each state, to gather data on their demographic characteristics and pest and disease control practices. The selection of the village was based on factors such as agricultural potential, location, population density, and representation of socio-economic characteristics of rural life in the state. To collect the data, the researcher visited the local farmers in their farms, shops, and fields. The questionnaires took approximately 15-20 minutes to complete, and assistance was provided to those who had difficulty reading or understanding certain agricultural terms in the questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of two sections.

RESULTS

Respondents’Demographic

Demographic characteristics of respondents in Edo and Delta States, Nigeria, revealed distinct patterns. In Edo State, the majority of respondents were female (66.25%), with males comprising 28.75% of the sample. Respondents were predominantly aged between 24 and 37 years (40%), with secondary education being the most common (46.25%). In terms of farming experience, the largest group had 11 to 20 years of experience (42.5%), and mixed cropping was widely practiced (70%). In Delta State, females constituted 58.75% of the sample, while males made up 41.25%. Respondents were primarily aged 15 to 23 years (36.25%), also with a significant portion aged 24 to 37 years (33.75%). Secondary education was the most prevalent (45%), and the majority had 11 to 20 years of farming experience (37.5%). Like in Edo State, mixed cropping was the dominant cropping system (67.5%).

Respondents’ Perception and Knowledge of Pest and Disease Control

In Edo State, integrated pest management (IPM) techniques were the most commonly used pest and disease control methods (48.75%), followed by chemical pesticides such as Gammalin (30%), biological and organic control strategies (12.5%), and alternative methods like traps (8.75%). Non-chemical plant protection methods included physical and pheromone traps (40%), burning (43.75%), mechanical methods (10%), and biological predators (6.25%). Manual weed removal was the most common weeding control method (43.75%), followed by mechanical methods like mulching and tilling (37.5%), crop rotation and intercropping (12.5%), and chemical herbicides such as ForceUp (6.25%). Only 36.25% of respondents were familiar with organic farming, while 63.75% were not. A majority (71.25%) did not perceive synthetic inputs as causing soil fertility loss, while 28.75% did. Similarly, in Delta State, IPM techniques were also the most used pest and disease control methods (45%), followed by Gammalinchemical pesticides (28.5%), biological and organic control strategies (22.5%), and alternative methods like traps (3.75%). Non-chemical plant protection methods included mechanical methods (37.5%), burning (23.75%), physical and pheromone traps (25%), and biological predators (13.75%). Manual weed removal was the most common weeding control method (37.5%), followed by mechanical methods like mulching and tilling (30%), crop rotation and intercropping (15%), and chemical herbicides such as Uproot (17.5%). Only 38.75% of respondents were familiar with organic farming, while 61.25% were not. A majority (65%) perceived synthetic inputs as causing soil fertility loss, while 35% did not.

DISCUSSION

The demographic characteristics of farmers in both Edo and Delta States show a significant involvement of females and a wide range of age groups, with a notable portion having secondary education. The present study also supports the findings of [12] and [13] that more men than women are involved in farming in Nigeria. The educational background of respondents reveals that most farmers in both states have at least a secondary education, with 46.25% in Edo State and 45% in Delta State. This level of education influences farmers’ ability to make balanced assessments of innovations disseminated to them. [14] opined that the high educational status of farmers enables them to better assess new technology. Most farmers in both states have significant farming experience and predominantly practice mixed cropping, with the majority having between 11 and 20 years of experience (42.5% in Edo State and 37.5% in Delta State). This extensive experience suggests that farmers possess substantial practical knowledge and skills in agriculture, which can be leveraged when introducing new pest and disease control methods. Mixed cropping can be advantageous for pest and disease control as it promotes biodiversity and can reduce the spread of pests and diseases. However, the 30% in Edo and 32.5% in Delta practicing mono-cropping may be more vulnerable to pest and disease outbreaks, highlighting the need for targeted support and education on the benefits of diversified cropping systems.

Farmers in both states employ a variety of pest and disease control methods. The most common method in both states is Integrated Pest Management (IPM), with 48.75% in Edo State and 45% in Delta State. IPM is an environmentally friendly approach that combines biological, cultural, and chemical methods to manage pests. However, this disagrees with the findings of [15] on Integrated Pest Management in Delta State, where the majority (84.37%) of farmers had not adopted IPM, while only 15.63% had. The significant use of chemical pesticides, such as Gammalin and ForcedUp, indicates a reliance on chemical control, which can have environmental and health implications if not managed properly. This finding aligns with [16], who reported that 71% of farmers in Southeast Nigeria use pesticides for weed and insect control to enhance productivity. Manual weed removal is the most common method in both states, indicating the labor-intensive nature of weeding. Mechanical weed control methods, such as mulching and tilling, are also significant, suggesting a reliance on traditional practices. The use of chemical herbicides is relatively low but present, highlighting the need for education on safe and effective herbicide use. This also agrees with [15], who noted that farmers had local organic control technologies before the introduction of chemical pesticides. Additionally, a significant portion of farmers in both states are not familiar with organic farming, with 63.75% in Edo State and 61.25% in Delta State indicating a lack of awareness. This highlights a critical area for intervention, as organic farming can offer sustainable solutions to pest and disease management without the negative impacts of synthetic chemicals. Furthermore, there is a divergence in perceptions regarding the impact of synthetic inputs on soil fertility. In Edo State, 71.25% of respondents do not believe synthetic inputs result in soil fertility loss, while in Delta State, 65% believe they do. This difference may be due to varying experiences and soil conditions in the two states, underlining the need for localized research and education on the long-term impacts of synthetic inputs on soil health.

CONCLUSION

The study reveals diverse pest and disease management practices among farmers in Delta and Edo States. While there is a significant adoption of IPM techniques, reliance on chemical pesticides remains prevalent. The low familiarity with organic farming and varied perceptions of soil fertility loss due to synthetic inputs suggest areas for further education and support. Promoting sustainable and integrated pest management practices, enhancing awareness of organic farming, and leveraging the extensive farming experience of the respondents can contribute to more effective and environmentally friendly pest and disease control methods in these regions.

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