Abstract

CONSTANTINE, K et al. Understanding changes in farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices after releasing Acerophagus papayae (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a biocontrol agent for papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus) (hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Kenya. AE [online]. 2025, vol.33, pp.1-12. ISSN 2224-8854.  https://doi.org/10.17159/2254-8854/2025/a20042.

Limited adoption of integrated pest management approaches including biological control is associated with lack of knowledge, experience and technical support. One of the main reasons for lack of success of biological control of arthropod pests is cited as the poor involvement of farming communities and extension in dissemination of information. This study considers changes in farmers' knowledge, attitudes and practices towards biological control of the invasive pest papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus) following initial releases of the parasitic wasp, Acerophagus papayae in the coastal counties of Kilifi, Kwale, and Mombasa in Kenya. Interviews were conducted with farmers across two years: (i) in 2021, prior to release of A. papayae, and (ii) in 2022, following initial releases of A. papayae. A comparison is made between 141 farmer responses across survey years complemented by information from three focus group discussions. Results highlight a 12% increase in awareness of biological control across survey years and a positive change in perception of biological control attributes such as effectiveness and improved crop productivity. Men were more likely to perceive biocontrol as effective, safe and affordable than women. Using a Difference-in-Difference analysis, on average treatment farms achieved approximately 196kg greater harvest than the control farms and the control farms lost a greater amount of income (94USD) than the treatment farms across the survey years. The findings from this study highlight the need for continued awareness-raising and gender responsive farmer education on the use and benefits of biological control, and how to reduce the use of chemical pesticide.

Keywords : agricultural extension; biological control; integrated pest management; invasive species; smallholder farmers.

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