Assessing Vegetable Farmers’ Knowledge of Disease and Pests Control Methods in Ghana: A Survey of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum [L]) Farmers in the Mampong Municipality of the Ashanti Region of Ghana

Abstract

A survey of 200 farmers in the Mampong Municipality in the Ashanti region was conducted between June and October 2016. It was to determine their knowledge of different pests and disease control methods employed, access to extension services, pesticides use and other pests control methods. The study relied on data collected from respondents, 12 key informants (pesticides dealers, vegetable buyers and local chief farmers), field surveillance and observation as well as the reports of the Directorate of Agriculture in the Municipality. Data were captured and analyzed using MS Excel and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPPS) version 16 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) and interpreted into simple percentages on tables and charts. The result showed that farmers are above 20 years and 18% were female. The majority (74%) have at least basic education with six (6) or more years’ of experience in tomato production. Sixty-four percent (64%) had no access to extension services due to poor contact with the agricultural extension agents (AEAs). Most respondents (70%) lacked education on pesticides and alternative (e.g., integrated pests’ management) control. Nine-two percent acknowledged the dangers of pesticides to public health. Sixty-four percent practice bi-weekly calendar spraying while 30 % and 6% practice weekly and occasional spraying respectively. Forty-four percent of farmers throw used containers or leave them on the farm. More education is needed to ensure safe use of pesticides and wholesome tomatoes for the public.

Keywords

• chemical pesticides
• agricultural extension agents
• chemical poisoning
• public health
• integrated pests management
• calendar spraying