Farmers’ ethno-ecological knowledge of vegetable pests and pesticidal plant use in Malawi and Zambia

• DOI: 10.5897/ajar.9000346
• Publication Date: 2011-03-18
• Authors: Stephen P. Nyirenda; Gudeta W. Sileshi; Steven R. Belmain; John Kamanula; Phosiso Sola; Greenwell Khoti C...; Philip C. Stevenson

While pests are a major constraint in vegetable production many parts of Southern Africa, little is known about farmers’ knowledge and management practices. A survey was conducted among 168 91 farmers Northern Malawi Eastern Zambia, respectively, to evaluate their knowledge, attitudes traditional practices tomato crucifers (brassica). All respondents Zambia reported pest damage on crucifers, 75% had used synthetic pesticides. The use pesticidal plants, cultural resistant varieties constituted smaller portion the control options both tomato. Over 70% were aware more female (75%) than male (55%) using them. over 20 different plant species mentioned by respondents, Tephrosia vogelii accounted for 61 53% respectively. Farmers with small landholdings inclined plants those medium large landholding highlighting importance this alternative poor farmers. Most willing cultivate which indicate that understand potential value these management.