Farmers' knowledge and management practices of cereal, legume and vegetable insect pests, and willingness to pay for biopesticides

We utilized data from cereal, legume, and vegetable growers in Kenya and Uganda to assess their knowledge and management practices of common pests and willingness to pay (WTP) for biopesticides. The contingent valuation method was used to assess the WTP and associated factors among 600 and 700 farmers in Kenya and Uganda, respectively. Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) was reported as the major maize pest in both countries, while aphids (Aphisspp.) andTuta absolutawere ranked as the main legume and vegetable pests, respectively. Most farmers (>65%) used chemical pesticides as the main method to control pests, with most of them (>70%) being aware of the negative effects of chemical pesticides on human health. A higher proportion of vegetable farmers (>80%) were WTP a premium price for biopesticides compared to 60% and 50% of the maize and legume farmers, respectively. On average the WTP price was estimated at US$23.33, US$18.27, and US$15.74 per acre among the vegetable, maize, and legume growers, respectively. Being a male, more educated, with higher income, aware of the negative effects of chemical pesticide use, and a risk-taker increased WTP for biopesticides. On the flip side, old age, big family size, and having trust to other community members decreased WTP for biopesticides. Our findings provide insights into the market opportunities of biopesticides in Kenya and Uganda. Training farmers on the benefits of biopesticides may promote their attitude towards the utilization of this kind of pesticides and consequently reduce the use of chemical pesticides.

Automated summary

We assessed the knowledge and practices of farmers in Kenya and Uganda regarding common pests and their willingness to pay for biopesticides. The majority of farmers used chemical pesticides to control pests and were aware of their negative effects. Vegetable farmers showed a higher willingness to pay a premium price for biopesticides. Factors such as being male, more educated, higher income, awareness of the negative effects of chemical pesticides, and risk-taking increased the willingness to pay for biopesticides.