Knowledge Levels of Farmers and Use of Integrated Pest Management Practices in Hohoe Municipality

Abstract

Although IPM has been advocated as a means of reducing chemical insecticide application, adoption of IPM practices are however, inadequate in the Hohoe Municipality and this may be attributed to a number of socio-economic and institutional factors. The study therefore sought to determine the knowledge levels and use of IPM practices by rice farmers. Survey research design was used for the study. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 120 rice farmers. Both descriptive and inferential statistical tools were used in the data reduction and interpretation. It was observed that training had a significant influence on the use of IPM by rice farmers. It was also noted that the knowledge level of the rice farmers in IPM had a significant influence on the level of use of IPM. It was however found that majority of the rice farmers have low knowledge levels in IPM practices. It is recommended that in the pursuit of IPM as an agronomic practice, policy makers should include training as a pivotal objective to equip farmers with the requisite skills of using it. This will help increase the level of knowledge on IPM and subsequently enhance its adoption by farmers. It is also recommended that the extension service directorate in the district should endeavour to make IPM information readily available to the rice farmers.