| dc.description |
The study informs about the influence of climate change on cashew nuts pests and diseases as well as strategies employed by farmers to minimize the impact in Mtwara District. Two wards of Nitekela and Nanguruwe in the District were used to generate the data. Specifically, the study examined the trend of climate parameters (rainfall, temperature, and relative humidity) in the study area, the impact of climate change on cashew pests and diseases and lastly the strategies employed by farmers to control the impact on cashew pests and diseases as well as the challenges encountered. A questionnaire survey, key informants interview and field visit observation were used to collect the primary data while the secondary data were obtained through documentary review. Questionnaires were administered to cashew’s farmers while key informants interview included village leaders, ward/village agricultural officers, primary cashew cooperative unions leaders and experts in Naliendele Agriculture Research Institute. Focus group discussion was also conducted in two villages, one from each ward. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software version 20 was used on both descriptive and inferential statistical analysis while information from focus group discussion was analyzed through theme analysis. Data were presented through charts, histograms frequency counts, percentages and tables. Chi-square test and linear regression were also used to test relationships between the different variables.
Analysis of the data showed that there is an increased trend of annual temperature, rainfall and relative humidity within a decade. Such an increase has an influence on the incidence of cashew pests and diseases on cashew production. Farmers employed different strategies to minimize the impact of pests and diseases such as the use of Chemical (insecticides & insecticides) biological, traditional and improved varieties. However, there several factors that hinder the adaptation process such as lack of enough capital, low technology, poor evolvement of agricultural extension officers. However, policy option is recommended such as influence of the availability of credit, subsidies for farm inputs, proper information on to use chemical and regular investigation in order to control the emergence of new pests and diseases. |
|