Philippine E-Journals

Farmers’ Awareness and Management Practices of Coffee Insect Pests in Selected Growing Areas in Cavite, Philippines

Brian Angelo Sustrina | Evelyn Singson | Adolfo Manuel Jr

Discipline: Agriculture

 

Abstract:

The study was conducted to determine the level of awareness on coffee insect pests and their natural enemies of selected coffee farmers in Alfonso, Amadeo, and Silang, Cavite from March to April 2019, as well as to identify the areas in crop protection that need more emphasis. A descriptive correlational research design was adopted using survey questionnaires and brochures to gather the necessary information on the socio-demographic characteristics of coffee farmers, their levels of awareness on insects associated with coffee production, as well as the interrelationships among these variables. Results revealed that most of the participants are moderately aware (x? = 3.01) of the insects associated with coffee production and have almost the same level of awareness (P = 0.174) of the insects associated with coffee production despite residing in different municipalities. Farmers with higher income from coffee farming tend to have a higher level of awareness (P = .016) of insects associated with coffee production. Moreover, the farmers’ own experience (100%) is the highest contributory factor in choosing their adopted insect pest management practices. This study emphasizes the need to consider the problem of the lack of farmers’ awareness and management of coffee insect pests and their natural enemies. Hence, seminars, training programs, and technical support to ensure that farmers are updated with the latest management strategies and developments must be provided by agricultural extension workers from the Department of Agriculture in partnership with other universities involved in agricultural programs.