Perception of “Fadama” III Participating Farmers on Pests and Diseases and the use of Integrated Pest Management Control Strategy in Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

A survey was carried out towards the end of the year 2011and early 2012 to elucidate the perception of “fadama” III farmers, in the 16 local government areas of Kwara state, about Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The study was carried out by flexible semi-structured interview survey method questionnaires which were distributed equally (i.e. 20 respondents per Local Government Area). The results of the survey indicated that 99.7% of the respondents are indigenes of Kwara state; majority are males (87.5%) while 95.6% are married. Eighty percent of the respondents fall between the age bracket of 30 and 59 years with a mean of 46.7 years. Only 20% had no formal education and the mean farming experience is 24.3 years. Forty seven percent of the total respondents practiced livestock farming with the most commonly kept animal being goat (32.8%). Twelve percent of the respondents engage in fish farming, while 80.6% engage in crop production. The most widely planted crop is maize (72.2%), while 18.3% and 10% of respondents, believed insects and diseases respectively to be the most important factors responsible for yield reductions. The results also indicated that farm size and frequency of extension visits to respondents’ farm are positively correlated (r = 0.242 and r = 0.219 respectively). Twothird of the respondents were aware of IPM and a large majority (82%), claimed to practice it. The study showed that under environment friendly atmosphere, IPM knowledge by “fadama” III farmers could ensure improved agricultural productivity in Kwara State - Nigeria.

Key words: Fadama, Self-sufficiency, Disease awareness, Extension agents, Resource Management, Nigerian agriculture