Incidence of Maize Ear Rot and Stem Borer Participatory Rural Appraisal Efficacy Relationship by Farmers in Western Kenya

Abstract

Maize has become Africa’s second most important food crop after cassava. Maize is Kenya’s staple food and is grown by about 90% of rural households. Among the pests and disease, stem borers are considered to be the most serious insect pests and ear rot the most important disease. A participatory rural appraisal (PRA) was carried out in Malakisi and Sirisia Divisions of Bungoma County, Western Kenya (N00°68.824 - N00°78.641and E34°38.076-E34°55.604). The PRA involved focused group discussions and 100 questionnaires were used in each Division to gather information from maize farmers. The focused groups consisted of the males and females who had engaged in maize production for at least 5 years. The two Divisions were perceived to have different levels of ear rot causing fungi because of different agro-ecological zones. This determined the farmers’ knowledge on the relationship between maize ear rot and stem borer damage, yield losses and farmer’s livelihoods. Farmers put 54% of their farms under maize production with mean yields of 9.8bags/acre and 10.9bags/acre for Malakisi and Sirisia Divisions respectively. Most farmers planted maize early 78% and 83% for Malakisi and Sirisia. The use of certified seeds especially hybrids was high in both Divisions with Malakisi 74% while Sirisia had 84%. Only 63% and 66% of the population for Malakisi and Sirisia respectively were food secure. The yields per unit area is far less than the potential due low levels of inorganic fertilizer use and unexploited organic manure utilization. But the government intervention/subsidy through National accelerated agricultural input and access programme (NAAIAP) programme in both Divisions realized significant increase in the yields of 20-30 bags /acre). All farmers affirmed knowing both maize stem borers and ear rot. The occurrence of stem borers was 16% in long rain season while 84% in short rains season. There were No stem borer tolerant varieties with farmers, local stockists and traders. Farmers in Malakisi 46% and Sirisia 37% recognized the relationship as a pathway between stem borer damage and ear rot incidence. Some farmers and traders admix their maize grains with Malakisi 25% and Sirisia 13%. Rotten ears are used as livestock, poultry feeds, local brews and human food during hunger months. Coupled with the high number of traditional stores which are grass thatched and dilapidated, this predisposes the populace to mycotoxins associated with ear rot posing a health risk.