Determinants of Integrated Pest Management Adoption among Large-Scale Farmers in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya
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Date
2024-11
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Integrated pest management (IPM) is a long-term management practice involving cultural, biological, and physical methods. Chemical control is only applied where other techniques are ineffective and pesticides that only kill the target organisms are selected to minimize environmental pollution. This research examines the different IPM practices adopted,the determinants of IPM adoption, and information dissemination channels for the adoption of these practices among large-scale farmers in Soy sub-county. The study surveyed a total of 155 large-scale farmers from 13 locations in Soy sub-county. The study employed a survey research design and collected data through household questionnaires, interview with the extension officers, and a focus group discussion schedule with the farmers association. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze data where tables, graphs, and pie charts were used in presenting the quantitative data. Data from the focus group discussion schedule and interview schedule were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The findings showed that natural IPM methods adopted were cultural, physical, and biological practices. The chemical methods adopted were herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizers. Education level, age, main occupation, household income, farmer field day participation, machinery ownership, farm size, and pest and weed resurgence were the main determinants for IPM adoption among the respondents. The respondents obtained information on IPM practices through farmer-to-farmer training, field exhibitions, farmer field days, television, radio, and extension officers. As a result, there was inadequate information on complex practices of natural IPM practices as they required proper training hence the main dependence on chemical control methods due to their quick and guaranteed results in crop yields.
Description
A Research Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Award of Degree of Master of Environmental Planning and Management in the School of Engineering and Architecture of Kenyatta University, November 2024.
Supervisor
Caleb Mireri