Gendered perception of change in prevalence of pests and management in Zimbabwe smallholder irrigation schemes

Abstract

A better understanding of gendered perception on the prevalence and management of pests in irrigated agriculture in the context of a changing climate can help recommend more gender-sensitive policies, particularly in smallholder farming systems. Limited studies have been conducted to assess gender differences in perception of the prevalence and management of pests among smallholder irrigation schemes especially in Zimbabwe. This study is the first one to assess gendered perceptions on the change in prevalence and management of pests in Exchange, Insukamini, and Ruchanyu irrigation schemes in Zimbabwe. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered using face-to-face interviews with participants. Data from focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used for validating data from questionnaire interviews. Mann-Whitney U test was employed to assess perception on the prevalence of pests between male and female farmers. Findings from this study depict that the females perceived a higher prevalence of bollworms (Helicoverpa armigera) (P ≤ 0.01), fall armyworms (Spodoptera frugiperda) (P ≤ 0.01), red spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) (P ≤ 0.01), and maize grain weevils (Sitophilus zeamais) (P ≤ 0.01) than males, while males perceive a higher prevalence of termites (Isoptera) (P ≤ 0.01) and cutworms (Noctuidae) (P ≤ 0.01) than females. Both male and female farmers perceived a greater increase in prevalence of aphids (Aphidoidea). Here, we show that farmers’ perceptions of changes in pest prevalence and pest management strategies differ by gender. Gender perception on change in prevalence of pests can be a valuable resource for the sustainable development of smallholder irrigation farming system and scientific research.

Occurrence and Damage Levels of Thaumatotibia leucotreta on Capsicum in Selected Counties in Lower Eastern Kenya

“…Women are known to take leadership roles in pesticide application in some developing countries; however, in this study, pesticides were mainly applied by men. This is because women had knowledge of the possible negative effects of pesticide use, as well as alternative pest control measures and beneficial insects, despite their ability to observe the change in prevalence of pests [34]. The study found that age was negatively associated with the probability of choosing integrated pest management methods.…”

Impact of CS-IPM on Key Social Welfare Aspects of Smallholder Farmers’ Livelihoods

“…Bunds also aid in the growth of vegetation because they trap grass and shrub seeds, preserving plant diversification and increasing the food and wood fuel available to smallholder farmers. The bunds have indeed, in countries such as Niger and the Central Plateau of Burkina Faso, not only helped to increase yields for cereals such as sorghum but also have [61] fostered the increase in groundwater levels that have helped farmers start growing vegetables on small plots nearer to water sources such as wells-leading to improvement in both their incomes and diversified diets [54], while as well reducing GHG emissions [4,32].…”

“…According to Liboster's assessment of the gendered perspective of changes in pest prevalence and management in Zimbabwe, farmers' perceptions of these changes vary by gender [61]. Gender perception of change in the prevalence of pests can be a valuable resource for the sustainable development of smallholder irrigation farming systems and scientific research [9].…”

“…To constrain FAW pests and stem borers, smallholder farmers in Rwanda and other sub-Saharan African nations such as Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe have utilized numerous techniques [61,65,66]. These include handpicking, using plant extracts, combining soil, ash, and sawdust with pepper, intercropping, and spraying pesticides.…”