Farmers’ perceptions of integrated desert locust management: a case study in Isiolo and Meru Counties of Kenya

Abstract

The destructive nature of desert locust invasions in terms of reduced food security and loss of agricultural income necessitates effective control strategies. While chemical spraying is effective, it is harmful to the environment, human, and animal health. Therefore, an alternative is the implementation of an integrated desert locust management (IDLM) approach that entails surveillance and early warning systems, rational combination of chemicals, biological measures, and indigenous control methods. Adopting IDLM depends on an understanding of human behavior and perceptions as an avenue for disseminating information for effective control. However, there is limited knowledge of the drivers of farmers’ perceptions of IDLM. This study sought to fill the above knowledge gap by applying the principal component analysis method to develop a composite index that was subsequently used in a regression analysis of data collected from a sample of 391 farmers in Isiolo and Meru counties in Kenya. Descriptive results showed that informal sources and channels were the main sources of desert locust information, and most farmers held positive or neutral perceptions. The regression analysis results highlighted the role of formal and informal sources of information, private land ownership, and previous shocks in influencing farmers’ perceptions of integrated desert locust management. The study recommends targeted messaging of desert locust management approaches through coordinated surveillance and timely response by national and international agencies, empowering community leaders as the key entry point, and building local capacity for accurate observation and timely reporting of invasions as measures towards sustainable desert locust control efforts.