Farmer perception of impacts of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith) and transferability of its management practices in Uganda

• Published in: CABI agriculture and bioscience 2023-04, Vol.4 (1), p.1-14, Article 9
• Main Authors: Kalyebi, Andrew, Otim, Michael H., Walsh, Tom, Tay, Wee Tek
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agricultural economics; Agricultural practices; Agricultural production; Agriculture; Biological control; Chemical control; Control methods; Corn; Crop diseases; Crop production; Crops; Cultural control; Cultural pest management practices; Documents; Drought; East Africa; Economic analysis; Economic impact; Education; Fall armyworm; Farmers; Impact analysis; Income; Infestation; Insecticides; Invasions; Perception; Pesticides; Pests; Pheromones; Production costs; Questionnaires; Shoots; Sisal; Small scale maize production; Spodoptera frugiperda; Tobacco
• ISSN: 2662-4044; 2662-4044
• DOI: 10.1186/s43170-023-00150-w

BackgroundThe Fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is now established across the African continent and is a highly polyphagous and destructive pest of many crops. In Uganda, FAW has become the major maize pest, causing heavy damage especially on shoots and growing points. The objectives of this study were to: (i) document local farming practices that have been useful to manage FAW, (ii) establish farmers’ perspective on the time of FAW’s arrival to their localities, (iii) investigate the economic impact (yield) of FAW to maize farmers, (iv) establish the farmers’ perception on the current status of the FAW, and (v) document alternative practices used to manage the FAW and the perceived efficacies.MethodsA questionnaire survey was undertaken in November 2020 in Kamuli and Namutumba districts of Uganda and 99 farmers were interviewed to understand their profiles and perceptions about the FAW. A descriptive analysis of this data was undertaken to establish the socio-economic profiles and perceptions of the farmers.ResultsFarmers’ education levels in the two districts ranged from basic (completed primary education) to advanced (completed University degree), with most farmers having 10–30 years experience in growing maize (F = 20.8; df = 3,7; P = 0.0067), and with mainly small- and mid-sized production scales (F = 436.2; df = 2,5; P = 0.0002). Famers in Kamuli (98%) and Namutumba (96%) reported 25–50% yield losses due to FAW infestation that negatively impacted their income. We found a significantly higher percentage of farmers (84% and 92% in Kamuli and Namutumba districts, respectively), could correctly identify the FAW by its appearance (P