Farmers practices, pesticide use, pest and disease dynamics in smallholder potato farming systems in Kuresoi South, Nakuru, Kenya

Globally, potato farming faces various challenges, such as pest infestations, diseases, and environmental risks associated with pesticide use. This study assessed farmers' practices, pesticide use, disease, and pest incidence using a questionnaire administered to 31 respondents. The respondents, 77% of whom were aged between 36 and 60 years, had diverse educational backgrounds and occupations. Ten diseases were reported, occurring significantly during the tuber bulking and maturation stages (χ² (27, N = 651) = 203.73, p < 0.001). Twelve pests were reported, although their frequency did not vary significantly across the stages (χ² (22, N = 399) = 27.44, p = 0.19). The use of a total of 37 pesticides from 16 chemical groups within WHO hazard risk levels II and III was reported, especially during the sprouting and tuber bulking stages. Respondents had limited knowledge of the environmental, health, and ecological effects of pesticide use. Personal protective equipment (PPE) usage was at 64%, while knowledge of integrated pest management (IPM) was at 52%. No significant relationship existed between education level and pesticide handling practices (χ² = 1.24, p = 0.744). All respondents reported reading pesticide labels; however, they mixed different pesticides, primarily due to weather variability and concerns over effectiveness. The findings highlight knowledge gaps and the need for education on safe pesticide use and IPM practices by extension officers.