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This study was conducted to determine the financial feasibility of African weaver ants (Oecophylla
longinoda) as biological control agents in cashew and mango orchards. It was compared to
chemical insecticides and control based on the experimental data in 2012/13 and 2013/14 cropping
seasons. Three important discounted financial indicators were used in the study; they are the Net
Present Value (NPV), Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR). Three scenarios
concerning the increase of costs and benefits were used. The results of the study showed that all
indicators for financial feasibility analysis were positive and accepted in each treatment. In
cashew, African weaver ant without feeding indicated highest NPV (TZS 32 640), BCR (2.5:1) and
IRR (57%). In mango, conflicting results were observed in feasibility ranking. But African weaver
ants without feeding gave highest acceptable NPV of TZS 66 926. The three scenarios showed that
setting much higher costs and benefits at five percent the NPV for African weaver ant was highest
than other treatments. The findings of this study suggest that African weaver ant without feeding
are financially feasible to be adopted and was recommended. |
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