Assessment of the socioeconomic factors influencing the adoption of integrated pest management practices among tomato farmers in Amuru district

Abstract

This study assessed the socioeconomic factors influencing adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices among tomato farmers in Amuru District, Uganda. Specifically, it examined the level of adoption of IPM practices, identified socioeconomic factors influencing adoption, and examined the association between socioeconomic factors and level of adoption of IPM among tomato farmers in Amuru district. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods. Data were collected from a purposive sample of 140 respondents, including 128 tomato farmers, 7 local leaders, and 5 agricultural extension workers, using structured questionnaires and interviews. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and regression analysis were employed for data analysis. Findings revealed 67% of the level adoption of IPM, and varied levels of knowledge and adoption of IPM practices. Farmers demonstrated high awareness of IPM principles (mean = 4.21, SD = 0.84, χ² = 26.75, p = 0.001) and pesticide application (mean = 4.10, SD = 0.88), while knowledge of biological pest control (mean = 3.65, SD = 1.14) and regular use of non-chemical methods (mean = 3.58, SD = 1.18) remained moderate to low. Key factors significantly influencing IPM adoption included education level (β = 0.123, p = 0.001), farm size, extension contact (β = 0.951, p = 0.0006), group membership, and access to IPM inputs. Conversely, factors such as age and gender were not statistically significant. All proposed strategies to enhance IPM adoption were rated positively, with provision of incentives and market access (mean = 4.50, SD = 0.69, χ² = 20.34, p = 0.000) emerging as the most preferred. Others included improved access to credit, resource strengthening, extension support, and integration with existing practices. The study concluded that while awareness of IPM was generally high, actual adoption and practice especially of non-chemical and biological methods were inconsistent. It recommends that government and development partners strengthen agricultural extension services, improve access to IPM inputs and credit, and promote farmer group participation. Further research should explore the socioeconomic impacts of IPM adoption and the influence of gender on knowledge access and decision making in tomato pest management.