Assessing the Effects of Black Coffee Twig Borer on Coffee Productivity in Kamwenge District. A Case Study of Busiriba Sub-County

This study aimed at assessing the effect of black coffee twig borer on coffee productivity in Kamwenge district in order to get a clear view of the damage caused by the pest such that appropriate measures of controlling it can be found. The objectives of the study were: to determine farmers’ knowledge on the signs and symptoms of black coffee twig borer on coffee; establish the damage caused by black coffee twig borer on coffee productivity; and establish the available measures used by farmers to control the black coffee twig borer in the district. A cross–sectional study design that employed both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques was used to investigate the effect of black coffee twig borer on coffee productivity. The study targeted coffee farmers, agriculture extension workers and local councils within the two parishes of Kahondo and Bigodi. The study used a sample size of 137 respondents where, 130 coffee farmers were selected systematically from lists of coffee farmers, and 4 extension workers, and 3 LC chair persons were purposively selected. The findings showed that, farmers were moderately knowledgeable on the signs and symptoms of the BCTB pest as they mentioned, drying of twigs this was by 34%, 24% that the twig & leaves above entry point of pest turn yellow, and18% that a needle sized hole at the entry of the pest. However, farmers’ knowledge on the death of the plant by BCTB is very low since it was mentioned by 1.5 percent. The effects of pest attack on coffee productivity among others were reduced yields supported 30.7% and reduced house hold incomes by 25.5%. Farmers have controlled the pest by spraying with systemic pesticides confessed by 29.9%, cutting and burning infected twigs by 21.2% and daily field inspection by 16.1%. The study recommended that, the ministry of agriculture should intensify farmer trainings about this pest to capacitate coffee farmers to fight off this pest before the whole industry succumbs to it. Farmers should also employ best agronomic practices in order to fight this pest.