Farmers’ awareness level on the effect of parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) on agricultural production and its control in Nyando division, Kenya
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Date
2014
Authors
Mutua, B.M.
Journal Title
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Abstract
Parthenium hysterophorus L. is an Invasive Alien
Species (IAS) that poses threat to agricultural
production. The aim of this study was to assess the
level of awareness of the effect of parthenium weed
on agricultural production and ways through which
parthenium is controlled in Nyando division. The
research was carried by interviewing 120 farm
household heads using purposive sampling
technique. This study established that majority of
the respondents were unaware that parthenium
interfered with milk production (95.0 %), livestock
health (78.4 %) and crop yield (53.3 %). On the
other hand, 63.3 % respondents were aware that
parthenium lowered pasture availability. Physical
methods (98.3 %) were majorly used to control
parthenium as compared to chemical (1.7 %). This
study established that, the ill-effects of parthenium
weed on agricultural production were not directly
associated to parthenium invasion. Therefore this
research recommends that awareness creation
campaigns on the adverse effects of parthenium
weed on agricultural production and its control
should be undertaken urgently. Similarly, integrated
control methods should be adopted for effective
management of parthenium weed
Description
Keywords
invasive alien species,, Parthenium hysterophorus L, agricultural production, farmers’ awareness level
Citation
International Journal of Agriculture. Photon 125 (2014) 305-310