Understanding changes in farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices after releasing Acerophagus papayae (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a biocontrol agent for papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Kenya

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/2254-8854/2025/a20042

Keywords:

biological control, agricultural extension, integrated pest management, invasive species, smallholder farmers

Abstract

Limited adoption of integrated pest management approaches including biological control is associated with lack of knowledge, experience and technical support. One of the main reasons for lack of success of biological control of arthropod pests is cited as the poor involvement of farming communities and extension in dissemination of information. This study considers changes in farmers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices towards biological control of the invasive pest papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus) following initial releases of the parasitic wasp, Acerophagus papayae in the coastal counties of Kilifi, Kwale, and Mombasa in Kenya. Interviews were conducted with farmers across two years: (i) in 2021, prior to release of A. papayae, and (ii) in 2022, following initial releases of A. papayae. A comparison is made between 141 farmer responses across survey years complemented by information from three focus group discussions. Results highlight a 12% increase in awareness of biological control across survey years and a positive change in perception of biological control attributes such as effectiveness and improved crop productivity. Men were more likely to perceive biocontrol as effective, safe and affordable than women. Using a Difference-in-Difference analysis, on average treatment farms achieved approximately 196 kg greater harvest than the control farms and the control farms lost a greater amount of income (94 USD) than the treatment farms across the survey years. The findings from this study highlight the need for continued awareness-raising and gender responsive farmer education on the use and benefits of biological control, and how to reduce the use of chemical pesticide.

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Author Biographies

  • Ms. Kate Constantine, CABI

    I joined the Invasive Species Management team at CABI in 2011, working on various weed biological control projects, after which I became increasingly involved in the socio-economic work related to invasive species.

    I have a strong interest in interdisciplinary approaches and the links between natural and social science, stemming from my MSc research investigating smallholder farmers, invasive plants and resilience in interlinked social-ecological systems.

    Recent work has primarily been on various projects under CABI’s global Action on Invasives programme which aims to protect and improve the livelihoods of rural communities through an environmentally sustainable, regional, and cross-sectoral approach to managing invasive species. This work has included an economic assessment of the cost of five key invasive species to six Sub-Saharan African countries, a study on smallholder farmer perceptions of biopesticides, and the development of a framework and methodology to assess a country’s responsiveness to invasive species.

  • Mr. Fenadis Makale, CABI

    I have worked for CABI since 2015. I started as a post-graduate student at CABI’s centre in Egham, UK. During this time, I was involved in various weed biocontrol projects including the biocontrol of Himalayan balsam, a noxious weed in the UK. My focus was on assessing how fungal endophytes influenced the effectiveness of a rust fungus (Puccinia komarivii var. glanduliferae) when introduced as a classical biocontrol agent against the weed.

    Since joining CABI’s centre in Kenya in 2016, I have been working on invasive species management, handling both field and laboratory tasks. My role involves carrying out research and coordinating projects on the biocontrol of invasive pests that threaten food security and biodiversity in Sub-Saharan Africa.

    I am also involved in managing a Darwin Initiative-funded project targeting the biocontrol of papaya mealybug in East Africa, primarily in Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda. Under CABI’sPlantwisePlus programme, I am a Plant Doctor Trainer of Trainers, supporting plant doctor training initiatives and the Country Coordinator for South Sudan. I also assist with proposal development and project implementation.

  • Ms. Idah Mugambi, CABI

    I joined CABI in September 2015 as Plantwise Monitoring and Evaluation Data Collection Assistant, a post I held for about two and a half years before joining the Knowledge Management team in June 2018. My current responsibilities cut across Digital Extension, Data and Knowledge Management.

  • Mr. Duncan Chacha, CABI

    My main role at CABI is as an Entomolgist but I have previously spent 11 years working as a Lab and Field Technician for various projects. Some of these include classic control of cypress and pine aphids, integrated pest management (IPM) in coffee, management of vegetable viruses, and the promotion of quality vegetable seed for small scale farmers. I am now focused on coordinating workshops and conference activities.

  • Dr. Selpha Opisa, CABI

    PhD in Environmental Sciences (Entomology); MSc Applied Parasitology and Vector Biology; BEd Science (Biology and Geography)

  • Dr. Belinda Luke, CABI

    I have 10 years experience working in biopesticides and insect pathology.  In particular I have expertise in mass production of Metarhizium and Beauveria species and formulation of fungi suitable for field application and for commercial sales.

  • Dr. Ivan Rwomushana, CABI

    As Global Lead – Pest Preparedness, I lead CABIs’ pest preparedness and response against plant health threats. This includes strategic actions, their associated outcomes, technical and scientific implementation and delivery.

    I also support the growth and development of CABI’s invasive species work as part of CABI’s Medium-Term Strategy and CABI’s Science Strategy. The focus is on predicting, preventing, preparing for and managing biological invasions in agriculture and the environment, including technical guidance and quality control.

    My work extends to monitoring pest preparedness and response actions. Furthermore, I mobilize resources to scale out and sustain these actions in line with CABI’s strategic goals. Lastly, I build effective links to other pest preparedness and response projects and programmes within CABI and with external partners, and build CABI’s global profile in this space.

    I undertake research in the development of climate resilient Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. This research relates to managing invasive insect pests that constrain crops by employing basic and applied research. By doing so, the aim is to unravel the invasion biology and ecology of invasive pests of agricultural crops, and the development of lower-risk IPM options with a strong inclination towards nature-based solutions, such as biological control and the use of biopesticides.

    The overall goal of my research is to improve plant health by reducing pest risks and to provide farmers with novel pest management solutions that reduce the heavy reliance on chemical pesticides.

  • Ms. Frances Williams, CABI

    I lead CABI’s social science department, covering socio-economic, gender, monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) work. This includes ensuring MEL and gender approaches are embedded across the organization and that economic considerations are part of our farmer-focused work.

    I am part of the leadership of CABI’s flagship PlantwisePlus programme, carrying out support evaluations of CABI’s work as well as external organizations. In addition, I work on economic assessments of the costs of invasive species and the costs and benefits of biological control programmes. I also led the introduction of gendered approaches to the organization.

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Published

2025-10-29

Issue

Vol. 33 No. 1 (2025): African Entomology Vol. 33 Issue 1

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Ms. Kate Constantine, Mr. Fenadis Makale, Ms. Idah Mugambi, Mr. Duncan Chacha, Mr. Adewale Ogunmodede, Dr. Selpha Opisa, Dr. Belinda Luke, Dr. Ivan Rwomushana, Ms. Frances Williams

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How to Cite

1.
Constantine K, Makale F, Mugambi I, Chacha D, Ogunmodede A, Opisa S, et al. Understanding changes in farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices after releasing Acerophagus papayae (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a biocontrol agent for papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Kenya. Afr. Entomol. [Internet]. 2025 Oct. 29 [cited 2025 Nov. 8];33(1). Available from: https://www.africanentomology.com/article/view/20042

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