| dc.description.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. | en_US |
