PEST MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES OF RICE FARMERS IN THE SELECTED MUNICIPALITIES OF BUKIDNON, PHILIPPINES

Abstract Rice farmers in Bukidnon face challenges related to pests, which affect their yields. This study aimed to examine the pest management strategies of rice farmers in selected municipalities in Bukidnon. A descriptive research design was used, with data collected from 450 rice farmers in Malaybalay City, Maramag, and San Fernando. A stratified random sampling technique was used, and data were analyzed using descriptive numerical measures. To verify and validate the results of the quantitative analysis, a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was also conducted with selected participants from the study areas. Results show that farmers are between 50 and 69 years old (59%), primarily male (66%), and have completed only up to high school level of education (36%). They are typically self-employed (64%) and manage small households (40%). Regarding pest management, rice farmers in Bukidnon primarily rely on traditional pest and disease identification methods, such as field monitoring and visual inspections. The most common pest and disease management strategies adopted by rice farmer respondents are cultural control, physical control, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM), with IPM being the most widely adopted strategy. This highlights the need to amplify training programs that teach farmers about IPM practices. By making resources and education more accessible, farmers can gain the knowledge and tools they need to implement more effective strategies, which would not only help increase their yields but also reduce crop losses in the long run. KEYWORDS: Pest Identification Strategies, Pest Management Strategies, Rice Production