Knowledge management structure and effectiveness of interventions on fall army worm (FAW) management among smallholder maize farmers in Kilungu, Makueni County, Kenya

Abstract

Maize productivity in Kenya has reduced by 4.3 per cent, partly attributed to Fall Army Worm (FAW) infestation with yield losses of up to 37 % of the annual maize production over three years. Innovators have developed practices that manage FAW infestation and increase maize yield. Knowledge of these interventions is not available to all farmers and thus not applied. This occasioned for an investigation into the knowledge management and effectiveness of FAW control practices in maize producing regions of Kenya. This study conducted structured interviews with key informants and households in Kilungu, Makueni County. It sampled 387 respondents with a 95% confidence level and applied multi stage sampling. Statistical analysis using STATA found a significant influence of education and total income on the selection and adoption of FAW management practice. Handpicking recorded p values of 0.033 and 0.013 respectively. Analysis of adopted FAW management practices against maize output showed a significant effect from handpicking, use of pesticides, detergents and/or soil with p values of 0.099, 0.049, 0.025 and 0.075 respectively. Fellow farmers and workshops as sources showed a significant influence on maize output with p values of 0.012 and 0 respectively.