Adoption of Integrated Pest Management Practices among Cocoa Farmers in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract The study was on the adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Practices among Cocoa Farmers in Owo Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria. Specifically the study aimed at ascertain the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents in the study area, assess the level of awareness of integrated pest management practices available to the respondents, examine the factors influencing the decision-making process of the respondents in adopting the practices and identify the constraints faced by cocoa farmers in implementing IPM. Primary data were collected by administering a well-structured questionnaire consisting of closed and open-ended questions. Multistage sampling was employed in the study for the selection of 100 cocoa farmers in the study area. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that majority (84%) of the farmers were male, the mean age of the respondents was 47 years with an average household size of 7 members. The major educational qualification of the respondents was secondary school (47%). Ninety-four percent of the respondents practiced Integrated Pest Management (IPM). From the study, the majority (78%) of the respondents attested that the major factor that influenced the decisions of the respondents was training and education. The results further revealed the major benefits of IPM as the increase in cocoa yield, reduction in pest damage, and improvement in cocoa bean quality. Additionally, there was no significant relationship between the socio-economic characteristics and the adoption of IPM. The study recommends that government and agricultural agencies should establish comprehensive training programs focusing on simplifying IPM practices and providing hands-on training. Also provision of affordable credit facilities and subsidies to cocoa farmers to alleviate the high cost of implementing IPM practices. Keywords: Adoption, Integrated Pest Management, Cocoa farmers