Knowledge of Cassava Pest Management: The Case of Farmer Training on Integrated Management of Millipede Infestation in Outbreak Areas in Western Region, Ghana

Abstract

Aims: Millipede infestation has been identified as a major contributing factor to low root yield of cassava and other root and tuber crops. Lack of knowledge in managing millipedes contributed significantly to reduction in cassava production. To address this challenge was to enhance the knowledge base of cassava farmers and extension agents. Integrated millipede management strategy training was thus organized for stakeholders in the Identified hot spots area. Place and Duration of Study: Identified hot spots namely Nsuopun (Amenfi East), Tebe (Prestea-Huni Valley) and Krakye Akuraa (Wassa East) in the Western region of Ghana, between June 2012 and July 2014. Methodology: All together 100 participants took part in the training. This included 62 male farmers, 28 female farmers and 10 male extension agents aged between 22 and 68 years with varied educational background. Among the topics treated during integrated management strategies training included promotion of tolerant cassava varieties and good farm sanitation. Training involved lectures, focus group discussion, field visits and evaluation. Results: As a result of the training, 83% of the farmers who benefited from the training adopted the technology. Over 93% of the farmers expressed satisfaction with the intervention strategies.  30% of farmers who adopted technology transferred technology to their peers. Conclusion: The training significantly increased level of knowledge of farmers and improved the measures employed to manage the millipede menace.