Economic Impact of Integrated Pest Management Strategies for the Suppression of Mango-Infesting Fruit Fly Species in Africa

Abstract

Mango growers in Africa are faced with the severe challenge of controlling pests, with the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis being the most destructive. Conventional fruit fly control in this region mainly involves the use of synthetic pesticides. Pesticides are expensive and have undesirable effects on human health, biodiversity and the environment. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods have been developed as a more effective and affordable strategy to control fruit flies. The technology has been developed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) and its partners, and disseminated to farmers through various technology uptake pathways across Africa. Understanding the adoption behavior of farmers with regard to IPM and the economic impacts of IPM on the livelihood of mango farmer and their households can help to design policies aimed at increasing the development and uptake of such strategies in Africa. This paper is a synthesis of findings on adoption and the economic benefits derived from IPM approaches targeted at mango-infesting fruit flies; it is based on recent studies conducted by icipe at various project action sites in Kenya. The studies provide empirical data on the adoption and impact of IPM strategies and focus on the magnitude of direct gains for mango producers. The findings provide clear evidence that farmers do not adopt the technology as a package but rather selected components of the IPM package that are affordable and easy to apply and maintain. With regard to economic benefits, the studies show that IPM reduces mango losses caused by fruit flies and the costs associated with pesticide use. There are also income gains from adopting IPM amongst mango growers. The results of these studies demonstrate that investment in IPM is viable, and therefore justifies support for upscaling of IPM programmes.