IngentaConnect Implications of on-farm research for local knowledge related to f...

Authors: Sinzogan, A. A. C.¹; Van Mele, P.²; Vayssieres, J. -F.³

Source: International Journal of Pest Management, Volume 54, Number 3, July 2008 , pp. 241-246(6)

Abstract:

We interviewed half of the mango-growers in northern Benin, including 15 farmers involved in a regional fruit fly project, and held focus group discussions with women fruit-pickers. They were asked about pest management and their knowledge of a weaver ant, Oecophylla longinoda. All considered low yields due to fruit flies to be the principal constraint upon mango production, estimating economic losses to be between 20 and 45%. None could recognize damage during the first 2 days after fruit fly egg deposition. On-farm research persuaded farmers to stop using insecticides and it also changed negative perceptions of Oecophylla. Over 80% of the farmers involved in on-farm research, compared to 25% of those not involved, reported Oecophylla to be beneficial. All fruit-pickers knew that ants protected mango from fruit flies, with 60% attributing better mango quality in terms of appearance, shelf-life and sweetness to the presence of Oecophylla. Nevertheless, 40% of the pickers still considered weaver ants a nuisance pest during harvest. Ways of reducing this nuisance need to be developed for Oecophylla to gain wider acceptance by mango-growers.

Keywords: farmer knowledge; labourer; fruit fly; Oecophylla longinoda; weaver ants; conservation biological control; on-farm research; mango; Africa

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1080/09670870802014940

Affiliations: 1: Faculte des Sciences Agronomiques, Universite d'Abomey Calavi, Cotonou, Benin 2: Africa Rice Center (WARDA), Cotonou, Benin 3: International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Biological Control Center for Africa, Cotonou, Benin

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Implications of on-farm research for local knowledge related to fruit flies and the weaver ant Oecophylla longinoda in mango production