Republic of the Philippines

COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF GINGOOG CITY

Motoomull Street, Barangay 22, Gingoog City
[email protected] | [email protected]

Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness

Farmers Practice on Insect Pest Management in

Misamis Oriental

Chereish Love Cailing1, John Patrick Ja-alain2, Wendy Mae Maiza3, Alfie Paje4,

Menvie Luz Tiedra5

OCTOBER 2024
 ABSTRACT

This case study investigates the pest management practices used by 15 farmers in
Gingoog City, focusing on their perceptions, methodologies, and experiences regarding insect
pest control. Agriculture remains a significant livelihood in Gingoog City, and effective pest
management is crucial for ensuring crop health and improving yield. Through interviews and
participatory observations, the study identifies common pest species, the pests' impact on
crops, and the strategies employed by farmers to mitigate these challenges.

The results show a wide range of activities, from conventional techniques to

cuttingedge strategies utilizing insect control. Due to their apparent efficacy and quick results,
are used extensively by many farmers; nevertheless, interest in sustainable alternatives such
integrated pest management (IPM), organic agricultural approaches, and biological control
mechanisms is developing. This case study addresses the issues these rural farmers confront
with pest management while highlighting the value of knowledge and resource accessibility
in promoting sustainable farming methods.

INTRODUCTION

Insect pest management is essential to agricultural production, particularly in areas

where farming is the main source of income. It is a major threat to the livelihoods of local
farmers, where farming is a common activity. a multitude of insect pests are drawn to the
diversity of crops farmed, which includes corn, cassava, and other fruits and vegetables. As a
result, efficient control techniques are required. In this regard, enhancing pest management
results and promoting sustainable farming methods require an awareness of farmers'
behaviors. (TI Ofuya, 2023)

The reliance on insect control remains high among many farmers, often due to
immediate effectiveness in responding to pest invasions. However, concerns about health,
environmental impact, and the development of pest resistance have prompted a re-evaluation
of these practices. Farmers are becoming increasingly aware of the potential benefits of
integrated pest management strategies, which combine multiple approaches, including

cultural, biological, and chemical control methods (Angon, P. B.2023). This case study aims
to explore the practices of farmers in the City, shedding light on both traditional and
innovative approaches to pest management.

Through direct interviews and participatory observation, it gathered insights from 15 farmers
regarding their experiences and methods in managing insect pests. This case study seeks to
document these practices and highlight the challenges and successes faced by the farmers,
ultimately contributing to the broader discourse on sustainable agriculture and pest
management in rural Philippines. By examining the intersection of local knowledge and
scientific approaches, this research may also inform policymakers and agricultural extension
services in developing support programs tailored to the needs of farmers in Gingoog City.

PROBLEM STATEMENT

These challenges it's crucial to identify the problems farmers face and explore solutions that
will help them manage pest populations effectively while maintaining farming practices.

1. Lack of understanding, about Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Despite the benefits
of integrated pest management techniques, many farmers lack knowledge about them.
This ignorance leads to missed opportunities to combine various pest management
techniques and lowers the efficacy of pest control initiatives as a whole.
2. Limited Access to Information and Resources: Farmers in Gingoog City's rural areas
frequently find it difficult to get timely and pertinent information about pest
management techniques. Their dependence on antiquated or inefficient methods of
pest control may rise as a result of their inability to make well-informed decisions due
to lack of access.
3. Insufficient Training and Support Services: In Gingoog City sector farmers often lack
access, to training and support services for pest control. This can lead to a lack of
guidance on the up, to date pest management methods and effective strategies
hindering their capacity to respond to evolving pest challenges.
4. Financial Limitations: Farmers may be forced by financial constraints to forgo pest
treatment entirely or pick less effective methods, which may reduce yields and cause
financial loss.
5. Economic strain from pest-related crop losses: Crop damage from pests leads to
financial losses, impacting farmers' livelihoods and economic stability.
This problem highlight to the complexity of managing insect pests in Gingoog City and
emphasize the necessity for focused study and treatments that take into account the particular
difficulties that local farmers confront. Comprehending these problems facilitates the creation
of customized remedies that can enhance pest control tactics and guarantee the long-term
viability of farming methods within the area.

DETAILED ANALYSIS

SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS

The agricultural environment of Gingoog City is made up of local farmers who grow a range
of crops, including as coconut, corn, and other fruits and vegetables. The rich soil and varied
climate of the area encourage agricultural output, but they also make a variety of insect pests
more common. Pest control is a common source of difficulty for farmers, which may have a
big influence on their output and financial stability (Skendžić · 2021). The majority of current
pest management techniques are derived from inherited knowledge that has been passed
down through the generations. Although these techniques have proven beneficial to farmers
in some situations, they could not adequately address new pest threats or the subtleties of
ecological balance (Legros · 2021).

Many farmers say they would like to enhance their pest control methods, but they don't have
access to resources that offer up-to-date knowledge and methods. Furthermore, different
farmers may use different approaches to managing pests; some may use cultural traditions
like crop rotation and intercropping, which are successful, while others may not be aware of
them. This is due to differences in farmers' educational backgrounds. Farmers frequently rely
more on peer anecdotal evidence than on scientific study, which might result in ineffective
pest management methods. (Cuaterno, 2001)
DATA AND EVIDENCE

Crop insect Pest

25
Sum of Mealybugs
Sum of Thrips
20 Sum of White flies
Sum of Leafhopper
Sum of Aphids
15
Sum of Leaf miners
Sum of flea beetle
10 Sum of tomato hornworm
Sum of army worm
Sum of corn earworm
5
Sum of european corn borer
Sum of cutworm

0 Sum of leaf cutter ants

Total

Graph 1. Crop Insect Pest (Discuss the graph or data presented)

• Pest Identification Proficiency: While most farmers polled were able to recognize
common pests, they found it difficult to distinguish between beneficial and hazardous
insects. The majority did not know about integrated pest monitoring methods and
instead depended on visual inspections of crops to evaluate pest concerns.
• Cultural Practices: Approximately 80% of the respondents reported using crop
rotation and intercropping, and the majority of them thought these techniques helped
lower insect populations. But farmers' application of these techniques varied, with
some using them infrequently.
• Community information Sharing: Using informal networks to discuss pest
management techniques, many farmers recognized the value of community
information sharing. Nevertheless, these networks lacked structure and organization,
 which restricted how widely disseminated the information could be. (Yu, Q., &
Gambrah, P. P. 2024)

PROBLEM-SPECIFIC ANALYSIS

The data gathered from the farmers highlights several problem-specific areas that impede
effective insect pest management in Gingoog City:

• Lack of Educational Resources: Farmers are unable to acquire the knowledge required
to carry out efficient pest control methods since they have restricted access to formal
education and training programs on pest management.

• Economic Constraints: Many farmers suffer financial constraints that limit their
capacity to invest in alternative pest control strategies, such as organic techniques or
pest-resistant crops.

• Environmental Impact Awareness: Farmers reported having a limited grasp of the

ecological impact of their existing activities, as well as insufficient information of the
function of biodiversity in pest management measures. Increased understanding of
environmental stewardship and conservation measures may result in better pest
control outcomes.

SOLUTION EXPLORATION

Since there are those key issues that farmers encounter in insect pest management, they
require different approaches in order to be solved. These solutions are aimed at knowledge
increase, practices improvement, and cooperation between farmers. One of the most efficient

and efficient measures is the organization of extensive educational activities (K. A., &
Ratnadass, A. 2021).

PROPOSED SOLUTION

Orientation: a One Day Awareness on Integrated Pest Management Overview

A one-day orientation workshop will form a building block in educating and preparing
farmers to deal effectively with insect pests. The topics will include but not limited to pest
identification, cultural practices, biological control and integrated pest management. Hence,
through active learning, discussions, as well as practical sessions of the workshop, the expert
wishes to strengthen farmers’ confidence in the sustainable pest population management.

Goals of the Orientation

• Enhancement of Pest Identification Skills: Enable the farmer to distinguish between

the nuisance insects, pests and other friendly insects.
• Increased Awareness of Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Teach prospective
farmers about principles and practices of Integrated Pest Management to encourage
sustainable pest control only.
• Resource Accessibility: Ensure that given educational materials, guides, and
information on where participants may obtain local agricultural extension services and
pest management resources to the participants.

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

I. Activities Done before the Orientation (two weeks before the program)

• Identify Participants: Develop a list of interested participants together with

the local farmer organizations. Ideally, plan for 30- 50 producers in a
particular session to avoid congestion as well as to incorporate as many
participants as possible in the exercises and discussions.
• Secure Venue: Select an easily accessible, local location which can
comfortably seat a worst-case-scenario of attendees, perhaps from a local
community center or agricultural extension office. II. Development of
Contents (One Week Before)
• Gather Resources: Collections of existing pest management papers such as
manuals, leaflets from agricultural universities and extension services.
• Prepare a simple presentation that covers key topics: identification of
pests, cultural management practices, and principals of integrated pest
management.
 • Recruit a Facilitator: You should arrange to get a local agricultural
extension officer or someone who has experience farming to facilitate the
session. Check on them and ensure that they agree to be interviewed.
III. Promotion (1 Week Prior)

• Promote the Event: Use word of mouth, the local community boards or
groups and mobile messaging application such as SMS to disseminate
details about the orientation session. They should also contain details of
the date, time, venue and reason for attending which have a positive ring
to it.
• Registration: Create a basic sign up that includes an over the phone sign
up or a sign-up sheet located at a local cooperative. IV. Day of
Orientation
• Set Up the Venue: It is always advisable to be on site early enough on the
day of the event to arrange chairs, any other requirement like projector if
any, and beverages and water for the occasion most of the time it would be
a simple snack.
• Conduct the Orientation: It is good practice to begin the program with
information on what will be covered with the aim and the expected
achievements at the end of the program.
• Divide the session into three segments:
▪ Session 1: Pest Identification - Lecture by using graphics and
participate in a group discussion.
▪ Session 2: Pest Control – Introducing easy methods that could be
adopted with ease.
▪ Session 3: IPM Strategies - Guide users and answer questions.
V. Post-Orientation

• Follow-Up Feedback Collection: Give out a brief survey or have an

impromptu talk to know about the perceived usefulness of the session and
the improvements that may be made.
• Resource Distribution: Handout to participants listing key topics covered
and where to obtain further information.
This simple preparation implementation plan revolves around some critical activities that
would facilitate successful one day orientation of the farmers. As a simplified and participants
and message-centric orientation, the orientation can effectively convey important information
about pest management as well as help to establish more connections among local farmers.

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

I. Information on farm sizes (in hectares) and the number of farmers for different types of
crops and soil types in the given region.

Graph 1. Crop Insect Pest

Graph 1 shows the insect pests in response to the types of crops planted. It was revealed that
Eggplant had a high infestation of Aphids with an average of 3. Flea beetle followed it with
an average infestation of 2 in eggplant and Leaf hopper in Ladyfinger (okra). (Sample only)
 Crop insect pest in responds to soil type
12
Sum of Mealybugs
10 Sum of Thrips
8 Sum of White flies

6 Sum of Leafhopper
Sum of Aphids
4
Sum of Leaf miners
2
Sum of flea beetle
0
Sum of tomato hornworm
Loamy Soil Sandy Loam

Graph 2. Crop insect Pest in response to soil type

Graph 3. Crop insect pest in response to Location

Graph 4. Crop insect pest in response to Soil topography

Graph 5. Insect pest vs. Beneficial insect

Graph 6. Pest Control Methods

CONCLUSIONS

The results explain the knowledge-deficit-skill gaps, as well as the financial challenges and
inconsistencies encountered by farmers in Gingoog City when it comes to management of
insect pests. While participants show moderate level of knowledge about some pest
management practices, and reliance on traditional practices, diminished access to modern
tools and training shows the need to develop specific educational programs (JP Deguine ·
2021). The findings show a need for developing improved awareness of integrated pest
management as a nonchemical method that can help farmers protect the crops and boost
yields for further improvements in sustainable agriculture in the area.

In addition, farmer’s desire to practice better pest control measures transmits high readiness to
change. This must be accompanied by commensurate resources and support for well framed
and strategically developed training programs, resource and community engagement aimed at
the sharing of effective practices (JP Deguine · 2021). Combining knowledge advancement
with strategies to infuse new pest management approaches may enable both pest challenges
and overall yields to be managed by farmers.

Finally, intensification and diversification of insect pest management can only be solved
through cooperation and thus must take into account the socio-economic. Stakeholders can
expand pest management outcomes greatly by investing in education, proffering access to
resources, and encouraging the collaboration of farmers (Rejesus, 1976). Moreover, the long
solvability of the agriculture sector in Gingoog City greatly depends on the enhance
humanical capital, time, farming tools, and information that are pertinent for pest
management decisiveness.

RECOMMENDATIONS

In order to enhance the approach applied to insect pest, it is prudent that appropriate
educational facilities are undertaken. Such programs should include aspects of pest
management, biological control and the advantages of biological diversity. It noted that all
training activities such as workshops, training section and demonstrations should be relevant
to farmers and if possibles should be able to show farmers can actually develop competence
in practice of what they have learnt. Integration with agricultural universities and other
experts can improve those programs’ believability and success while creating a process of
continuous learning.

Also, farmers require timely access to reliable information on pest populations to enable them
decide on appropriate control measures e.g through community-based pest monitoring
networks. These networks may help to share knowledge and allow farmers to disclose
successful approaches and solving problems. Possibly, through the farmers these networks
can boost the overall capacity of the community in responding to pest issues (Yu, Q., &
Gambrah, P. P. 2024). In addition, utilizing local organizations or NGOs can benefit in filling
in gaps of resources, as well as keep farmers supported in their pest management program
consistently.

APPENDICES

A. Farmers Practice on Insect Pest Management Questionnaire

I. Farmers Information:

Farmers Name: Age:

Birthday: Home Address:

Farm Size: Crops/Planted:

Soil Topography: Soil Type:

II. Pest Present in Area

Crop 1
Crop name:
Area planted:
Yield (in kg/Ha):
Insect pest Damage (Direct/Indirect) Alternative host plant
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Peppers

Beneficial Insects Target Insects

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Type of treatment/ control What cultural control was
used?
Cultural control What bioagent was used?

Biological control What mechanical control was

used?
Mechanical control Sprayed with:
Chemical control Dusted with:
Baited with:
Non- chemical:
Others :
Crop 2
Crop name:
Area planted:
Yield (in kg/Ha):
Insect pest Damage (Direct/Indirect) Alternative host plant
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Beneficial Insects Target Insects

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Type of treatment/ control What cultural control was

used?
Cultural control What bioagent was used?

Biological control What mechanical control was

used?
Mechanical control Sprayed with:
Chemical control Dusted with:
Baited with:
Non- chemical:
Others :

Crop 3
Crop name:
Area planted:
Yield (in kg/Ha):
Insect pest Damage (Direct/Indirect) Alternative host plant
1.
2.
 3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Beneficial Insects Target Insects

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Type of treatment/ control What cultural control was
used?
Cultural control What bioagent was used?

Biological control What mechanical

control was used?
Mechanical control Sprayed with:
Chemical control Dusted with:
Baited with:
Non- chemical:
Others :

Appendix table 1. Sample of Farmers interviewer form

 Appendix Figure

Appendix Figure 1. Interviewing Mr./Ms.____________, interviewed by ________

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