Perceptions of Sierra Leonean Mango Farmers on the Pest Status and Current Management Practices for the Control of Fruit Fly in Sierra Leone

Tephritid fruit flies are considered one of the world’s most notorious pests of horticultural crops, including mango (Mangefera indica L.) in Sierra Leone, causing extensive direct and indirect damage. A survey was conducted among 60 mango farmers in 7 districts in Sierra Leone between June and August, 2022, to assess their perceptions regarding fruit fly pest status and the current management options adopted for the control of this pest. Semi-structured questions designed in an open and closed-ended fashion were used for the study. The majority (83%) of the farmers were already aware of the fruit fly problem in the country with 62% perceiving it to be very severe. The majority (60%) of farmers, however, demonstrated poor knowledge of identifying fruit fly species, especially Bactrocera dorsalis, Ceratitis capitata, and Ceratitis cosyra. Farmers were more conversant about the direct damage symptoms to host fruits and the economic impact of fruit flies. A total of 32% of growers took no action to control fruit flies on their farms. Sixty-nine percent (69%) of the farmers adopted cultural control measures, like practicing prompt harvesting, collection and disposal of infested fruits, and weeding to maintain better sanitary conditions on their farms. Recommended fruit fly management strategies such as the use of botanicals and resistant varieties were either unknown or inaccessible to growers. A total of 52% applied chemicals that were not recommended for the control of fruit flies without considering their environmental and health risks. It is important to train fruit growers to improve their capabilities for fruit fly management through extension agents that are appropriate for helping them acquire basic knowledge of fruit fly pests and their management.