| dc.description |
Rice farmers in Tanzania continue to experience losses due to stem borers. However, the
information on farmers’ knowledge and perceptions of rice stem borers is limited and
farmers’ efforts on managing this insect have been ineffective. The aim of this study was
to investigate constraints affecting rice production and farmers’ approaches of stem borer
management in irrigated low land rice ecosystems in Tanzania. Data were collected using
a structured questionnaire through face to face interview with farmers. The information
collected included: farmers’ socio-economic profiles, farm characteristics, knowledge and
perceptions of stem borers and their management practices. About 96.76 % of farmers
reported insect pests such as stem borers, white flies, leaf rollers and grasshoppers as
major constraints of rice production. Other constraints reported were such as diseases,
damage by birds, drought, weeds and lack of access to credit for purchasing inputs. Most
of the farmers (78.2%) apply chemical insecticides against rice insect pests particularly
stem-borers where number of health hazards have been reported. Very few farmers
(18.5%) use cultural methods including crop residue disposal and split application of
nitrogenous fertilizers for reduction of stem borer damages. The study revealed that, most
farmers have limited knowledge on the recommended stem borer management practices
and suggests that environmentally friendly pest management methods to be designed and
implemented to minimize losses associated with rice stem borers. |
|