Farmers’ knowledge and perceptions on fruit fliesand willingness to pay for a fruit fly integratedpest management strategy in Gamo Gofa zone,Ethiopia

Abstract

Bactrocera dorsalis(Hendel) is one of the most economically important invasive pestsaffecting horticulture production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Mango is the main hostfor this species and causes up to 80% yield loss. To mitigate against this pest, an area-wide integrated pest management (IPM) programme is being promoted in SSA, andEthiopia is next in line for roll-out. The IPM strategy reduces pesticide use andgenerates significant income. However, implementation of the IPM requiressignificant time investment for pest identification, scouting, certain infrastructure,creating awareness and training for area-wide adoption. To assess farmers’knowledge and perceptions ofB. dorsalisand their willingness to pay (WTP) for theIPM, 365 households were interviewed in two mango producing districts in GomaGofa zone in Ethiopia. A logistic regression model was used to analyse responsesto a double-bounded contingent valuation survey. The results showed that 47% ofthe respondents are WTP for the IPM strategy. Average WTP per hectare wasestimated at US$ 134, revealing an existing demand for fruitfly IPM. Therespondents’WTP for the strategy was driven by farm and socio-economiccharacteristics. Enhancing skills of extension agents could foster IPM disseminationand adoption among mango growers in this region