Evaluation of farmers’ satisfaction to plant health advice offered through plant clinics in Rwanda

Abstract

Plant pest and diseases are one of the major constraints of agriculture production in Rwanda. Plant clinic is rapidly gaining popularity in the region including Rwanda, and it was reported to be among potential solutions to overcome this challenge. However, there is little information documenting the appreciation of farmers toward advice given through plant clinics in Rwanda. Therefore, this study was conducted in order to assess farmers’ satisfaction vis-à-vis the services rendered to farmers by plant doctors, and to document major source of plant health information. A survey with plant clinic users, non-users of plant clinics, service providers, key informants and focus groups were conducted. Participants were selected in locations of eight clinics launched from 2011 to 2013 and a structured questionnaire and group discussions were used to collect all data. The survey results showed that plant clinics were ranked by plant clinic users as the major source of plant health information at 97.5% while 79.5% of respondents mentioned that plant doctors had competence and they highly appreciated the advice received from plant doctors. Establishment of plant clinics and awareness creation for farmers’ participation can contribute to increased agricultural productivity through effective management of pest and diseases in Rwanda.

Keywords: diagnosis, diseases, disease, management, pest, plant doctor