<p>The diamondback moth, <i>Plutella xylostella</i> (L.) is a major pest of cabbage in Ghana controlled primarily by the use of synthetic insecticides. Several technologies for the sustainable management of DBM have been proposed, however, studies on farmers’ perceptions and adoption of these control methods in Ghana are limited. This paper examines the perception and adoption of control methods for DBM among cabbage farmers in Ghana, using a random sampling technique to select and interview 238 cabbage farmers. The study utilized a 5-point Likert scale to examine farmers' perceptions of DBM, while the multivariate probit model was employed to analyze the factors influencing the adoption of the control methods. Constraints faced by cabbage farmers were investigated using Kendall's coefficient of concordance. The results showed 82% awareness of the incidence of DBM in cabbage fields and farmers had a negative perception of DBM. Additionally, the major constraints faced by cabbage farmers were pest and disease incidence, inadequate credit support and price fluctuations of produce. Also, the use of synthetic insecticides, crop rotation, and timely planting were identified as the most commonly adopted control methods among cabbage farmers. The empirical results showed that household size, education, membership of farmer-based organizations, access to extension services, distance to the production site, and access to training significantly influenced the probability of adopting the use of the three management methods. It is recommended that extension agents and farmer groups ensure periodic sensitization of farmers about the importance of integrated pest management strategies through continuous awareness campaigns.</p>

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Farmers’ perceptions of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), and their adoption of various control methods in cabbage production: insights from smallholder cabbage farmers in Ghana

  • Irene Serwaa Asante,
  • Jakpasu Victor Kofi Afun,
  • Enoch Adjei Osekre

摘要

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) is a major pest of cabbage in Ghana controlled primarily by the use of synthetic insecticides. Several technologies for the sustainable management of DBM have been proposed, however, studies on farmers’ perceptions and adoption of these control methods in Ghana are limited. This paper examines the perception and adoption of control methods for DBM among cabbage farmers in Ghana, using a random sampling technique to select and interview 238 cabbage farmers. The study utilized a 5-point Likert scale to examine farmers' perceptions of DBM, while the multivariate probit model was employed to analyze the factors influencing the adoption of the control methods. Constraints faced by cabbage farmers were investigated using Kendall's coefficient of concordance. The results showed 82% awareness of the incidence of DBM in cabbage fields and farmers had a negative perception of DBM. Additionally, the major constraints faced by cabbage farmers were pest and disease incidence, inadequate credit support and price fluctuations of produce. Also, the use of synthetic insecticides, crop rotation, and timely planting were identified as the most commonly adopted control methods among cabbage farmers. The empirical results showed that household size, education, membership of farmer-based organizations, access to extension services, distance to the production site, and access to training significantly influenced the probability of adopting the use of the three management methods. It is recommended that extension agents and farmer groups ensure periodic sensitization of farmers about the importance of integrated pest management strategies through continuous awareness campaigns.