Assessment of farmers practices and perception on maize grain storage insect pest in Mecha woreda, Amhara regional state, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study evaluated farmers’ knowledge, perceptions and insect pest management practices of maize in the northwestern part of Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia. Data was collected by a validated questionnaire from 108 farmers. The association between the variables was assessed using Chi-square test and Ordinal Logit regression model was used to explain the association between the level of insect pest infestation on maize grain and other socio-economic factors. The results showed that pest attack was a common phenomenon and caused up to 60% grain losses. Maize weevil: Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and moths Sitotroga cerelala (Olivier) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) were identified as the most common and damaging insects. All farmers are using chemical insecticides (Actellic dust and Phostoxin) extensively to minimize the problem. It is concluded that some efforts have to take in changing in farmers’ attitude on the use of chemical pesticide and the knowledge gap identified in using cultural practices to manage maize weevil.