The scientific community has recognized the importance of integrating farmer’s perceptions and knowledge (FPK) for the development of sustainable pest and disease management strategies. However, the knowledge gap between indigenous and scientific knowledge still contributes to misidentification of plant health constraints and poor adoption of management solutions. This is particularly the case in the context of smallholder farming in developing countries. In this paper, we present a case study on coffee production in Uganda, a sector depending mostly on smallholder farming facing a simultaneous and increasing number of socio-ecological pressures. The objectives of this study were (i) to examine and relate FPK on Arabica Coffee Pests and Diseases (CPaD) to altitude and the vegetation structure of the production systems; (ii) to contrast results with perceptions from experts and (iii) to compare results with field observations, in order to identify constraints for improving the information flow between scientists and farmers. Data were acquired by means of interviews and workshops. One hundred and fifty farmer households managing coffee either at sun exposure, under shade trees or inter-cropped with bananas and spread across an altitudinal gradient were selected. Field sampling of the two most important CPaD was conducted on a subset of 34 plots. The study revealed the following findings: (i) Perceptions on CPaD with respect to their distribution across altitudes and perceived impact are partially concordant among farmers, experts and field observations (ii) There are discrepancies among farmers and experts regarding management practices and the development of CPaD issues of the previous years. (iii) Field observations comparing CPaD in different altitudes and production systems indicate ambiguity of the role of shade trees. According to the locality-specific variability in CPaD pressure as well as in FPK, the importance of developing spatially variable and relevant CPaD control practices is proposed.
Low yields of coffee in Uganda are due to a number of factors with insects, diseases and weeds being paramount. In response, farmers respond by applying all kinds of pesticides to control these stresses. A questionnaire to elucidate farmers' knowledge and perceptions of pesticide use was therefore administered to 325 randomly selected respondents in the Arabica coffee growing regions of Uganda. Our results showed that only 23% of the respondents had ever used or were using pesticides, although, >50% of these respondents had knowledge on pesticides use. However, the methods of pesticide disposal were poor with >40% of these respondents disposing the wash water and unused/waste pesticide on their farms whereas, used containers were being burned. Also, >60% of these respondents were re-entering their coffee fields in less than one week after spraying. These practices expose the farmers, their animals and the environment to pesticide poisoning. Nevertheless, >50% of these respondents were aware of the negative effects pesticides are likely to cause to humans, animals and environment. Therefore, in order to minimize pesticide exposure and toxicity, training and awareness campaigns on pesticides use, particularly pesticide disposal should be rolled out to all the coffee growing agro-ecologies of Uganda.
Despite Ugandan coffee farmers’ preference for Maesopsis eminii as a shade tree, the species is an alternate host for the black coffee twig borer, Xylosandrus compactus (Eichhoff)—a major insect pest of coffee in the country. Wilting and drying of leaves and branches of young M. eminii trees (<5 m tall) observed in Kiboga District, Uganda. The branches were trimmed off the trees, separated into primary and secondary branches and then the percentage of those possessing characteristic X. compactus entry holes determined separately. Additionally, the number of entry holes on both primary and secondly branches was established to determine the extent of damage of X. compactus. X. compactus characteristic holes were observed on both primary and secondary branches of M. eminii - percentage of branches having entry holes and the number of entry holes higher on primary than secondary branches. Dissecting the branches at the entry holes revealed various life stages of X.compactus in the gallery, proving that the damage was due to the pest. Presence of this pest on trees that are inter-planted in the coffee agroforestry systems presents a dilemma in managing it. Therefore, research should be geared towards designing management strategies for the pest in the coffee agroforestry systems. In the meantime, farmers should always trim-off and burn all infested parts from coffee and other plants inter-planted in it.
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