Survey of farmers' knowledge of yam pests and diseases and management practices in southern Ethiopia
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Date
Authors
Gogile, Ashebir
Kebede, Misrak
Wada, Eyasu
Kidanemariam, Dawit B.
Abraham, Adane
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Abstract
Yam is a widely consumed food in the tropics and subtropics. Determination of pests (pathogens and insects)
and diseases (developed pest invasions and symptoms) and the appropriate management practices are critical in
existing crop production systems. This study aimed to document farmers’ knowledge about yam pests and diseases
and their management practices in southern Ethiopia. Data were collected from 342 systematically selected farmers
and 96 yam fields in 5 major yam-growing zones (Dawuro, Gofa, Gamo, Kembata-Tembaro, and Wolaita) in southern
Ethiopia using a semi-structured interview guide. The results showed that 54.1% of the farmers saved their planting
materials for the next growing season, while 39.2% of the farmers purchased the planting materials from the local
market every year. Most farmers (63.5%) reported that the cultivation of yam has been declining annually due to
pests and diseases. White yam (Dioscorea rotundata) (Poir, Dioscoreales, Dioscoreaceae) and water yam (Dioscorea
alata) are severely damaged by pests and diseases, as perceived by 33.9% and 24.9% of farmers, respectively.
Farmers use healthy-looking pest- and disease-free tubers (39.5%), remove infected plants (24.0%), practice crop
rotations (17.3%), and use animal manure (7.0%) to manage yam pests and diseases. Farmers’ knowledge can be
a starting point for seeking solutions to yam pests and disease risks. This study could play an important role in
improving yam cultivation by identifying strategies to improve the recent decline in yam production to meet future
food needs for a rapidly growing population.
Description
DATA AVAILABILITY : All data collected for this study were analyzed, interpreted, and included in this manuscript, but other data sets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Keywords
Disease, Farmer, Management, Pest, Yam, SDG-02: Zero hunger, SDG-12: Responsible consumption and production
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG-02:Zero Hunger
SDG-12:Responsible consumption and production
SDG-12:Responsible consumption and production
Citation
Gogile, A., Kebede, M., Wada, E. et al. 2024, 'Survey of farmers’ knowledge of yam pests and diseases and management practices in southern Ethiopia', Journal of Integrated Pest Management, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1093/jipm/pmae030.