EFFECT OF SELECTED INSECTICIDE ON WHITEFLY (Bemisia tabaci) INFESTING BRINJAL PLANTS © 2016 Asian Economic and Social Society. All rights reserved ISSN (P): 2304-1455/ISSN (E):2224-4433 Volume 6(9), 175-187 175 GENDER AND SOCIAL ECONOMIC FACTORS AFFECTING IPM KNOWLEDGE ACQUISITION AND APPLICATION: A CASE STUDY OF COFFEE FARMER GROUP MEMBERS IN BUGISU, UGANDA R. Ochago, M. N. Mangheni and R. F. Miiro Department of Extension and Innovation Studies, School of Agricultural Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda Article History: Received: 20-Sep-2016 Revised received: 04- Nov-2016 Accepted: 23-Nov-2016 Online available: 7- Dec-2016 Keywords: Gender issues, agriculture, Uganda, knowledge, IPM, coffee stem borer Abstract The paper presents findings from a study conducted to determine men and women farmers’ knowledge of the coffee Stem Borer IPM practices and socio-economic factors influencing the level of farmers’ knowledge in Bugisu sub region, Uganda. A post training cross sectional survey of 71 men and 55 women members of coffee IPM groups who had participated in training on coffee stem borer IPM was conducted. The knowledge of training participants was computed using a knowledge index and difference between knowledge levels of men and women farmers compared using independent t test. It was found that men had a significantly higher mean score on the IPM knowledge index compared to women. In addition, there was a significant correlation between knowledge of CSB IPM with gender, educational level, marital status, household labor, coffee acreage, years in the coffee group and women’s mobility. The results imply that greater competence is achieved when group training methods were complemented with more personal extension methods such as on farm visits. In addition, targeting various social groups including women, youth, and those who are not members of social and economic groups with the intention of addressing their unique needs would boost their IPM knowledge level. For women, knowledge acquisition is enhanced when gender based barriers to their participation in learning groups are addressed. 1. INTRODUCTION 1 Integrated pest management (IPM), promising techniques for cost effective environmentally friendly control of agricultural pests (Arnoud & Deborah, 2008; Waddington et al., 2014) is knowledge intensive. Farmer field schools (FFSs) that requires collection learning and action is an approach often used for imparting IPM knowledge to farmers (Diqui et al., 2012). FFSs were intended to reach out to marginalized groups who might not have access to training, knowledge and inputs (Erbaugh et al., 2010). Further, gender, a socio-cultural construct which determines the Corresponding author’s Name: R. Ochago Email address: ochagor@gmail.com Asian Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development http://aessweb.com/journal-detail.php?id=5005 DOI: 10.18488/journal.1005/2016.6.9/1005.9.175.187 Asian Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, 6(9)2016: 175-187 176 identity, roles and responsibilities, and entitlements of women and men in society has been found to intersect with and influence IPM technology use in various countries. This is because differences between men and women arising from their socio-cultural backgrounds and status, responsibilities and expectations (Rubin et al., 2009; Tau & Hassen, 2007) often manifest when it comes to agricultural technology promotion activities that require collective participation and group involvement. The extent of involvement of men and women in group activities is bound to affect what they learn and how they use what they are involved with. Gender relations may affect men and women’s participation in IPM groups and eventually levels of uptake of IPM practices. Women and youth in various locations face several constraints (social, economic, cultural, political and enabling environment) in participating and benefiting from farmer groups (Gyau et al., 2016; Kaaria et al., 2016; Temesgen et al., 2015; Tanwir & Safdar, 2013; Gotschi et al., 2009; Rubin et al., 2009; Agarwal, 2001; FAO, 2011, 2015 & 2016; Benin et al., 2008; Subedi, 2008 and Sabates-Wheeler 2006). All the above variables have been found to have a gender dimension in various localities. For instance, women’s knowledge is often undervalued and their labour occurs within the domestic realm (Gururani, 2002 and Organo, 2013). Women are also culturally constrained in terms of mobility, time, and communication hence preventing them from accessing information and sharing what they know (Subedi, 2008). More to that, women even though aware of the benefits of new technologies, may not be able to adopt due inadequate time to work. They are often overwhelmed by agricultural demands for subsistence and surplus production (Fortmann, 2009). Despite its apparent advantages, IPM has not been widely adopted by small scale farmers in Africa. One of the possible explanations could be inadequate understanding of gender based constraints to knowledge acquisition particularly within group processes that form the core of IPM technology development and promotion. Given the critical role of women particularly at implementation of agricultural technologies, differences in IPM knowledge of men and women can bring about differences in participation and use of such practices. In a bid to design appropriate IPM practices by scientists to achieve an equal impact on both women and men requires that individuals, institutions or governments are guided by such knowledge. The purpose of this study was to determine men and women farmers’ knowledge of CSB IPM practices in Bugisu sub region, Uganda. The research was guided by the following research questions: (1) Do farmers’ know CSB pest and the symptoms of attack?(2) Can they list the IPM tactics for CSB control being promoted and any harmful effects from using pesticides.(3) What is the level of men and women’s level of awareness, knowledge and utilization of IPM tactics. (4) Are farmers aware of constraints and opportunities in the IPM knowledge in coffee IPM groups? If so, what are the constraints and opportunities for women and men? Are these different for men and women? (5) Is there any relationship between knowledge of CSB IPM practices and qualitative and quantitative Socio-Economic Characteristics? 2. RESEARCH METHODS 2.1. Study site Members of coffee IPM farmer groups from two districts of Sironko and Manafwa in eastern Uganda were studied. The Sironko Manafwa zone are characterized as banana-Coffee farming system where mixed farming is predominant. Beans, groundnuts, sorghum, maize, millet, cassava, potatoes and sweet potatoes are traditionally grown by women while men dominate in coffee and cotton which are the main cash crops. The main source of cash income is sale of crops and livestock. A number of risks, such as crop pests and diseases, livestock diseases, fluctuating crop prices, soil erosion and landslides in high areas, degradation, and high population density are experienced. Increased land pressure and fluctuating market prices are attributed to high population. These study sites were purposively selected because the scope of the study was restricted to IPM CRSP sites where coffee is being grown and IPM being promoted to control Asian Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, 6(9)2016: 175-187 177 CSB pest through group approach. The Coffee Stem Borer (CSB) (Monochamus leuconotus) with an incidence of 28.3% (Kyamanywa et al., 2011) is one of the major constraints for the livelihoods of coffee households. 2.2. Research design The study adopted a cross sectional survey study research design and utilized both quantitative and qualitative data. Phase one was exploratory and focused on the qualitative aspects of the study while phase two focused on both, but with more emphasis on the quantitative aspects. In the first phase, key informant interviews were conducted face to face using key informant checklists generated by the researcher in Sironko and Manafwa districts. Qualitative methods generated information on gendered aspects pointed out in table 1. The interview yielded qualitative data that informed development of the follow up survey and guided selection of sites for in depth study. Phase two consisted of a survey to achieve deeper understanding of the aspects under investigation. Table 1 gives a summary of the research design showing the logical linkages between the research components including study objectives, data required and collection methods, and data analysis procedures. Table 1: Description/measurement of the knowledge variables Objective Data collected and Statistical Analysis methods used Men and women farmers’ Knowledge of the CSB IPM practices  Percentages were used to identify farmer knowledge of the pest, observations, extent of damage on their garden and list of pest attack symptoms. Chi-square test was used to establish whether a relationship existed between gender and the listed variables.  Percentages were used to tell the CSB control measures.  Percentages were also used to analyze awareness, training attendance, knowledge and practices of the CSB IPM package. Rating of the CSB IPM practices and reason for not using the package was also analyzed using percentages.  Percentages were used to determine the level of gendered knowledge of the CSB IPM package and relationship between genders was by chi-square tests.  Knowledge was categorized in to three levels i.e. low (0-7), average (8-14) and high (15-21). Correlation was used to establish whether any relationship existed between knowledge and socio-economic factors not participation in group processes.  Percentages were used to determine the gendered knowledge of the chemicals, their use, and awareness. Chi-square test was used for non- continuous relationships while mean, standard deviations and t-tests were used for continuous variables. The target population comprised of men and women in coffee IPM farmer groups. A purposive sampling procedure was used to select the study sample in three stages. The first step involved locating relevant key informants and literature to determine which coffee stem borer IPM packages was promoted in a group setting. These key informants were picked because of their rich knowledge of the subject and the study site. The starting point was the IPM IL regional office- Makerere University, the research scientists at the regional office directed the researcher to COREC research scientist who in turn directed the researcher to the research scientist at their field station/on farm (Sironko). The research scientist at the on farm station gave a link to another scientist in Manafwa. The two research scientists linked the researcher to their respective project extension workers. The extension workers in turn guided the researcher on the groups to pick respondents from. A total of 15 key informants (4 research scientists, two extension workers, 6 farmer group leaders and three farmer group members) were picked. Asian Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, 6(9)2016: 175-187 178 The second step involved obtaining IPM IL farmer group lists of members from their leaders and stratifying by sex. This allowed the capturing of varied perspectives between the sexes. These groups consisted of a total membership of 42 (22 men, 20 women) for Kibowa, 45 (24 men, 21 women) for Kesemulira and 54 (30 men, 24 women) for Sosyo. A purposive sample of 71 men and 55 women were drawn from the three groups to bring the total to 126 respondents. 2.3. Instrumentation and data collection Three types of data collection tools were used: key informant interview and Focus group checklists and house hold survey questionnaire. The three tools were developed by the researcher and reviewed by a panel of experts for content validity. The individual survey instrument was further pre-tested for suitability on a comparable population in an area that was not participating in the study. The field test was carried out in Bumasaba parish in Sironko district. The field testing exercise helped to test for clarity and the logical flow of the questions and duration of the interview. Final changes were made on the tools before data collection. Data quality was ensured through thorough training of enumerators and using enumerators who are proficient in the local dialects. Team debriefs were also held every day after the data collection exercise to share lessons and challenges so as to ensure a uniform interpretation of the household survey questions. In Buwalasi -Sironko and Bumbo-Manafwa districts, a total of two FGDs were conducted together with the farmer group members stratified by sex to triangulate findings collected from key informant interviews. With the help of field enumerators, the separate male and female sub-groups were assigned tasks to generate their responses about the coffee stem borer, damage, spread, management, groups’ activities and what limits or enhances gendered participation in coffee group processes. For each coffee group, two FGDs of 1.5-2 hours were conducted. Quantitative survey data was collected from all respondents at individual level. 2.4. Data summary and analysis Data were entered in the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 16 and analyzed in both SPSS and STATA 9. To determine the level of men and women farmers’ knowledge in coffee IPM group processes, a descriptive analysis was carried out to generate percentages, means and standard deviation. T-statistics and chi-square tests were used to test for differences in means and proportions respectively. 2.5. Variable measurement-knowledge measurement Knowledge of IPM practices is defined as farmers’ ability to recognize and name CSB pest; identify its symptoms, list the IPM tactics for CSB control being promoted, any harmful effects from using pesticides. It also includes farmers rating their level of awareness, knowledge and utilization of IPM tactics. Since IPM is a multi-dimensional concept, a summated ratings scale consisting of nine attributes, with a score range of 0-21, was used to measure farmers’ knowledge of IPM practices (table 2). Farmers ability to name the pest, observed the pest and aware of the dangers of using pesticides was considered as one attribute. The rating has been successfully used by previous IPM CRSP studies (Erbaugh et al., 2010). Asian Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, 6(9)2016: 175-187 179 Table 2: Description/measurement of the Knowledge Variables Attribute Rating Description Farmers ability to name CSB pest 0-1 0, an inability to name the pest; 1, an ability to correctly name the pest observed the CSB pest in any coffee field 0-1 0, has never observed the pest; 1, has ever observed the pest list it’s symptoms, 0-3 0, an inability to list symptoms; 1-3, an ability to list one or more symptoms Awareness of IPM tactics for CSB control being promoted 0-3 0, if they were unaware; and 1-3, aware of one or more of the IPM tactics for CSB control being promoted Knowledge IPM tactics for CSB control being promoted 0-3 0, don’t know; 1-3, know one or more of the IPM tactics for CSB control being promoted Utilization IPM tactics for CSB control being promoted 0-3 0, don’t utilize; utilize methods coded 1-3. Farmers’ awareness of harmful effects from using pesticides. 0-1 0, if they were unaware; and 1, aware of potential harmful impacts from using pesticides. list of harmful effects from using pesticides 0-3 0, inability to list; and 1-3, ability to one or more of the potential harmful impacts from using pesticides. Awareness of the pesticide danger reduction measures 0-3 0, if they were unaware; and 1-3, ability to list one or more pesticide danger remedies 2.6. Estimation of knowledge measure for CSB IPM practices The total score was calculated by adding individual scores that each respondent obtained for all statements. Knowledge Measure was calculated as follows: ……………. (i) Where: KM = Knowledge Measure, KFS = Knowledge frequency score 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 KM =∑NOAP +∑LSY+∑LIPMT+∑KIPMT +∑UIPMT+∑LPD+∑APDR ……………. (ii) i=1 i=1 i=1 i=1 i=1 i=1 i=1 Where: NOAP = Name pest, Observed the pest and Aware of pesticides used in CSB control LSY = List CSB pest symptoms LIPMT = Awareness of IPM tactics for CSB control being promoted KIPMT = Knowledge IPM tactics for CSB control being promoted UIPMT = Utilization IPM tactics for CSB control being promoted LPD = list of harmful effects from using pesticides APDR = Awareness of the pesticide danger reduction measures 3. RESULTS 3.1. Farmers’ knowledge and practices of the CSB IPM Knowledge is one of the key benefits of coffee IPM group participation. This section presents results on level of knowledge acquired by men and women participants. Respondents were asked whether they could name the CSB pest, and its symptoms (Table 3); list (3) and use the IPM 7 KM=∑KFS i=1 Asian Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, 6(9)2016: 175-187 180 package promoted and name the dangers of pesticides (Table 7). These key questions each attracted varied responses from which individual scores were calculated. 3.2. Farmers’ knowledge of the CSB pest Table 3: Knowledge of CSB pest (n=126) Gender of the respondent Total X 2 p-value (%)Men (%)Women Know the name of the pest 46.7 31.7 78.3 15.908 a 0.000 Observed the pest in a coffee garden/field in the community 45.8 36.7 82.5 6.984 a 0.008 Symptoms of the pest attack Yellowing and chlorosis of the leaves 47.0 42.6 89.6 3.500 a 0.174 die-back 1.7 3.5 5.2 saw dust at the base of leaves 4.3 0.9 5.2 Results in Table 3, show that majority of respondents (about 78%) were able to correctly name the coffee stem borer pest though skewed in favor of men (about 47%) compared to women(about 32%) with a significant chi-square difference of p< 0.01. On further analysis, it came out clearly that more men (about 46%) than women (about 37%) had observed this pest in either their field or the neighboring fields in the community. In addition, more men (about 47%) than women (about 43%) reported yellowing/chlorosis as the major coffee stem borer symptom. Rutherford and Phiri (2006) and Erbaugh et al. (2006 & 2010) confirm that yellowing, die back and saw dust at the bases of stems as the correct signs and symptoms of CSB. Findings from focus group discussions revealed that, men’s ability to correctly name the pest is due to their expose to a range of training meetings on the pest and its management as opposed to women who had a mobility constraint. Also since more men made all the decisions on coffee income allocation and utilization and decision implementation it came out that, they had more interest in the crop for its benefits while women mostly concentrated on food crops such as bean, vegetables which were rarely sold. 3.3. Farmers knowledge of the CSB IPM practices The respondents were also asked whether they had ever heard of the CSB IPM practices, had trainings in the said practices and know how to use them. The CSB IPM practices investigated were; stem smoothing, stem wrapping, pruning and stumping. Results are presented in Table 4. Table 4: Recommended practices for controlling CSB pest (n=126) CSB IPM practices (%) Ever heard of: Total (%)Ever had training on: Total (%)Know how to use: Total Men Women Men Women Women Men Stem smoothing 45.0 43.3 88.3 35.0 35.8 70.8 42.5 40.0 82.5 Stem wrapping 40.0 35.0 75.0 33.1 26.3 59.3 36.7 32.5 69.2 Pruning 50.3 46.3 96.7 40.0 37.5 77.5 48.3 47.5 95.8 Stumping 47.5 42.5 90.0 39.2 30.8 70.0 44.5 41.2 85.7 Though results show that both men and women were aware of, had trainings and knew how to use all the four IPM practices, it was skewed in favor of men. Taking an example of pruning, more men had heard of pruning (about 50%), had trainings (about 40%) and knew how to prune (about 49%) than women with 46%, 38% and 47% respectively. The differences in the farmers’ awareness, attendance at trainings, and knowledge on how to use the coffee stem borer IPM practices could be attributed to women’s low attendance to trainings meeting, immobility and the Asian Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, 6(9)2016: 175-187 181 labor intensiveness of the practices (Table 7). Overall men’s awareness of the CSB IPM practices, trainings on the package components attendance and knowledge of their use was average (50%) whereas women were below average. The fact that a good number of women had heard about the practices and knew how to use them, implying that women have other informal ways of accessing information besides participation in trainings. Awareness of the IPM practices is not sufficient in itself to tell the farmers knowledge. The study therefore sought to understand whether these IPM practices were being used or not. Results in table 5 show that much as both gender used all the IPM practices, men took lead. More men controlled the CSB pest by smoothing the coffee stems (about 75%) wrapping coffee stems (about 74%), pruning (about 74%) and stumping (81%) compared to women at less than 16% for all practices. Table 5: Use of the CSB IPM package components (n=126) Type of CSB IPM package component Who performs the work of CSB control (%)Man (%)Man and woman equally (%)woman Stem smoothing 75.3 15.5 9.3 Stem wrapping 74.1 12.3 13.6 Pruning 73.9 14.8 11.3 Stumping 81.0 11.4 7.6 The probable explanation of variation in the utilization of the CSB IPM practices could be due to advantages or disadvantages associated with the practices. An analysis of the main reason for not using the CSB IPM practices revealed that, these practices are labor intensive as well as time demanding (about 35%) to men while for women lacked materials to use in the control of this pest (about 27%)-Table 6. Women majorly lack CSB IPM control inputs especially banana leaf sheath during school days when children who provide labor are at school. Lack of pangas and pruning saws was as a result of limited income often allocated to domestic care and not meant for inputs. These results are in agreement with FAO (2011) that reported, women time and again having less access to agricultural assets, inputs and services than men in the majority of countries and contexts. Table 6: Reasons for not using the CSB IPM package (n=126) Reasons Gender of the respondent Total % of Men % of Women Labor intensive or time consuming 34.6 19.2 43.8 Had no materials to use 15.4 26.9 42.3 Others e.g. Banana leaves eaten by termites, banana leaves and polythene bags can be unwrapped by wind and can be a fire hazard, damages to equipment, costly and need skilled labor 10 3.9 13.9 Table 7: Reasons for not using individual CSB IPM practices (n=126) IPM Practice Reason for not using (%) Gender of the respondent Total Men Women Stem smoothening Limited to smaller plots due to labor intensiveness and time consuming attribute 34.2 23.3 57.5 Tree destruction and or some trees can dry up and some tree break 5 14.2 19.2 Raises dust 11.7 11.5 23.2 Stem Pests hide inside the wrapping material 30 34.2 64.2 Asian Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, 6(9)2016: 175-187 182 wrapping It's risky and or damages the plant vessels 11.7 10 20 Polythene bags and banana leaves can be unwrapped by the wind 9 7 16 Pruning Labor intensive and time consuming 33.4 29.2 62.5 Costly because tree damage the equipment 7.5 12.5 20 Need experienced/skilled people to carry out this method 9.2 8.2 17.5 Stumping Takes time to gain the next harvest 34 34.2 68.2 Time consuming and labor intensive 11.7 8.5 20.2 Costly in terms of labor and equipment 7.5 4.1 11.6 3.4. Awareness of the dangers associated with pesticide use Results in Table 8 show that, more men were aware of pesticide dangers (about 37%) compared to women (34%), could list them correctly and knew how to reduce such dangers. To men, the major dangers associated with pesticide use were itching (about 21%), vomiting (about 19%) due to the bad smell when inhaled (about 2 %). Results are consistent with findings by (Lekei et al., 2014, Timprasert et al., 2014, Lund et al., 2010 and Ngowi et al., 2007). Wearing protective gear (about 37% for men and 32 % for women) while handling pesticides would protect them from such dangers. Waskom and Yergert (1994) give the following as pesticide use instructions; Careful reading of the labels on pesticides, wearing proper clothing, applying pesticides on a calm and less windy day and immediate cleaning of the equipment coupled with thorough washing of hands with soap and water. The literature cited confirms those farmers are aware of pesticide use dangers. Table 8: Pesticides use and knowledge of the dangers (n=126) Knowledge parameter Gender of the respondent Total % Men %Women Aware of the dangers associated with pesticide 36.7 33.3 70.0 list these dangers Itching of the body 20.5 8.4 28.9 Has a bad smell, and one can vomit 18.5 16.4 34.9 Can inhale the pesticide while spraying or suffocate 2.4 3.6 6 Scotched leaves due to large application 6.0 2.4 8.4 Affects the eyes and lungs, and cause diseases 9.6 10.8 20.4 Causes headache 1.2 0 1.2 What can be done to reduce the dangers Putting on protective gears 36.5 31.8 68.3 Read instructions before using it 11.8 4.7 16.5 Wash hands with soap after touching or using the pesticide 1.2 1.2 2.4 Proper trainings 1.2 2.4 3.6 Keep containers far from the children reach and or store in safe place 3.5 2.4 5.9 Apply using a spray pump 1.2 0 1.2 Avoid spraying when it’s windy 2.4 0 2.4 In order to measure the level of knowledge of IPM practices, the total score was calculated by adding individual scores that each respondent obtained for all statements to obtain a knowledge measure (KM). Knowledge levels were computed on a scale of one to three. The KM of zero to seven was marked as a low level of knowledge, higher than seven but less than or equal to 14 were marked as an average knowledge and higher than 14 was marked as a high level of knowledge. Results in Table 9 reveal that, though majority (about 59%) of the respondents had knowledgeable Asian Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, 6(9)2016: 175-187 183 about CSB IPM practices men (33%) took lead. The key finding is that men are more knowledgeable in the CSB IPM practices than women. This result further confirms the earlier finding which ranked men as the highest beneficiaries in coffee IPM groups. Table 9: Level of farmers’ knowledge of CSB IPM practices (n=126) Knowledge level Gender of the respondent Total %Men %Women Low level of Knowledge 3.3 2.5 5.8 Average Knowledge 20.8 14.2 35.0 High level of knowledge 33.3 25.8 59.2 Total 50.0 50.0 100.0 Pearson’s χ2 (2) = 2.808, P = 0. 246 The findings seem to suggest that men acquire more coffee IPM knowledge than women. More men were knowledgeable about the coffee stem borer IPM practices due to attendance to coffee group training meetings. Men’s knowledge of IPM is an opportunity to pest control in the farm households but a constraint to women. These results are in agreement with report by (IFAD, 2010) which found that in the tea and coffee value chains of Rwanda, men usually have greater access to extension advice and have a higher level of skills. On the contrary, Erbaugh et al. (2003) in a survey on the Role of Women in Pest Management Decision Making in Eastern Uganda found that women were significantly more knowledgeable about possible negative effects from pesticide use, and had more knowledge of alternative pest control measures than men. This study possibly focused on enterprises with heavy involvement of women. Much as men seemed to be more knowledgeable about the CSB IPM practices, the level was below average (50%) implying that both women and men need to be reached with IPM information. On further analysis, the study sought to establish whether there was a relationship between knowledge and other socio-economic factors, results are presented in table 10. Table 10: Summary of the Result of the Chi-Square (χ2) Test of Relationship between qualitative and quantitative Socio-Economic Characteristics and the level of CSB IPM Knowledge Variable P-value Explanation Gender (1= man; 0=woman) 0.03 Correlated Education level (Number of years) 0.03 Correlated Marital status(1= Married; 0=not married) 0.02 Correlated House hold members who provide coffee labor (Number of adults) 0.05 Correlated Total coffee acreage 0.04 Correlated Year joined coffee group 0.02 Correlated Access to coffee benefit-income 0.06 Correlated Control of coffee benefits-income -0.00 Correlated Women visiting trading centers -0.06 Correlated Women visiting church/mosques -0.06 Correlated Women visit water points 0.08 Correlated Women visiting other villages 0.09 Correlated Women attending group meetings 0.06 Correlated The survey results showed that 56% of the respondents were men as compared to 44% women. The percentage difference could be attributed to the fact that coffee is a man’s crop and so slightly more men are involved as opposed to women. The chi-square comparisons revealed a significant association between gender and the knowledge of CSB IPM practices (table 10).Taking an Asian Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, 6(9)2016: 175-187 184 example of women, they more they attended group meeting, visited water points and other villages the more they acquired knowledge of CSB IPM knowledge. Visiting trading centers, churches/mosques had a negative correlation with knowledge of CBS IPM practices. The educational level was captured as number of year spent in school showed that men spent on average 7.01 years as compared to 6.58 of women. The overall range of years spent at school is between 0 to 16 years with tertiary intuitions being the highest level. The educational level of the respondent was closely associated with their knowledge of CSB IPM practices as per the chi- square comparison at 5%. Marital status captured as single and married is often used to determine stability of a household in families of African setting since heads of such households tend to be stable in farming and CSB IPM use. This is true since results revealed that, about 73% of the repondents were married with a slight difference between men and women. More men were (about 41%) married than women (about 33%). The marital status of a respondent was significantly associated with the knowledge of CSB IPM practices at 5% implying that one’s marital status had a lot to do with their knowledge level. The average number of people who helped out with coffee production work in the household was four and with a maximum of 12. This number was used as a proxy for coffee IPM labor. Both family and hired labor (about 38% of men and 29% of women) is used by both men and women. Men believed that family labor in their house holds was not enough to cover the coffee production activities (about 21% of men and about 15 % of women), while women felt it was adequate (about16% of men and 16 % of women). Findings seem to suggest that, family labor was more constraining to men than women. The plausible explanation could be because coffee is a cash crop, men are more involved than women and thus serves as a labor constraint. On comparison between knowledge of CSB IPM with number of people who provide labor in the house hold there was a significant relationship meaning the more labor a household has the more members sought and thus knowledgeable about CSB IPM. In addition the knowledge level of CSB IPM practices by farmers was closely associated with the coffee farm size meaning the bigger the farm size, the more farmers sought to control the pest in the most cost effective and environmentally friendly manner possible The total income from coffee ranged from two to three million shillings per season. Access to coffee income had a positive and significant correlation with knowledge of CSB IPM practices while control of coffee income was significantly negative. 4. CONCLUSION The level of men knowledge of CSB IPM practices was higher than men. More men could name CSB pest; list its symptoms, aware, listed and used the IPM tactics for CSB control being promoted, were aware and could list harmful effects from using pesticides and pesticide use precautions. Social-cultural beliefs that, women are supposed to carry out domestics work and men’s perceptions of exposing and risking their wives being taken aware by other men contributed very much to women’s low level of knowledge. The constraints associated with obtaining inputs used for CSB IPM control and the disadvantages associated with the practices discourage women from accumulating such knowledge. Much as the level of men’s knowledge of CSB IPM was higher than women, the score of all the seven parameters was less than 50%, the study concludes that their position in the society enables them to acquire coffee IPM knowledge and skills of the IPM use than women in Coffee IPM groups. Men’s access to knowledge of IPM as a group training benefit is thus an opportunity to group participation and consequently pest control in the farm households whereas a constraint to women. The hypothesis of Men are more likely than women to name CSB pest; identify its symptoms, list the IPM tactics for CSB control being promoted, harmful effects from using pesticides. They are also more likely to rank highest in their Asian Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, 6(9)2016: 175-187 185 level of awareness, knowledge and utilization of IPM tactics is supported. Women rarely participate in coffee IPM groups which are main IPM information source and so reaching them with IPM information with specific consideration to their needs would greatly boost their knowledge level. Sensitize and encourage men to share with their spouses what they learn from during coffee IPM training sessions. Funding: This study was financed by USAID/IPM IL project in Uganda under the Gender Global Theme. Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interests. Contributors/Acknowledgement: This article was part of Robert Ochago’s MSc Dissertation study, which was financed by USAID/IPM IL project in Uganda under the Gender Global Theme. All financial support is greatly appreciated. Views and opinions expressed in this study are the views and opinions of the authors, Asian Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development shall not be responsible or answerable for any loss, damage or liability etc. caused in relation to/arising out of the use of the content. References Agarwal, B. (2001). Participatory exclusions, community forestry, and gender: An analysis for South Asia and a conceptual framework. World Development, 29, 1623–1648. Arnoud, B., & Deborah, D. (2008). The farmer field school approach. History, global assessment and success stories. IFAD Rural Poverty Report, (October 2008), 38. Benin, S., Nkonya, E., Oketcho, G., Randriamamonji, J., Kato, E., Lubade, G., & Byekwaso, F. (2008). Impact evaluation of the national agricultural advisory services (NAADS) in Uganda. Final draft. Diqui, A. A., Mirani, Z. S., Bukhari, S. S., & Courses, S. (2012). Impact of farmer field school training on farmers’ knowledge and skills regarding recommended agro-ecological sound ipm practices. Pakistan Journal of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Veterinary Sciences, 28(2). 186-198 Erbaugh, J. M., Donnermeyer, J., Amujal, M., & Kidoido, M. (2010). Assessing the impact of farmer field school participation on IPM adoption in Uganda. Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education, 17(3), 5-17. Erbaugh, J. M., Wairimu, E., Waiganjo, M., & Sibuga, K. (2010). Implications of gender and context on the design of IPM programs for tomato growers in East Africa. Abstract, Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education, 17(2), 55. Erbaugh, J. M., Kyamanywa, S., Kucel P., Uringi, N., Wandabwa, J. B., Magona, J., Matume, J., & Magira, P. (2006). Baseline survey of Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica L.) Producers in districts around Mt. Elgon. Regional Integrated Pest Management Collaborative Research Support Program (IPM CRSP) for East Africa. Erbaugh, J. M., Donnermeyer, J., Amujal, M., & Kidoido, M. (2003). The role of women in pest management decision making in Eastern Uganda. Journal of International Agriculture and Extension Education, 10, 71-81. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) (2011). The state of food and agriculture: Women in agriculture, closing the gender gap for development. The State of Food Agriculture Rome, FAO: 158. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) (2015). Running out of time: The reduction of women’s work burden in agricultural production. Rome: FAO. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) (2016). The gender and equity implications of land-related investments by producer organizations in Malawi’ forthcoming. Rome: FAO. Fortmann, L. (2009). Gender in agriculture sourcebook. The World Bank, Food and Agricultural Organization, and International Fund for Agricultural Development. Washington DC: The World Bank (2009), pp. 727+ 36pp. index, US $34.95. ISBN 978-0-8213-7587-7. Experimental Agriculture, 45(04), 515-515. Asian Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, 6(9)2016: 175-187 186 Gururani, S. (2002). Construction of third world women’s knowledge in the development discourse. International Social Science Journal, 54(173), 313-323. Gotschi, E., Njuki, J., & Delve, R. (2009). Equal number. Equal chances? A case study of gender differences in the distribution of social capital in smallholder farmer groups in Búzi District, Mozambique. European Journal of Development Research. 21, 264-282. Gyau, A., Mbugua, M., & Oduol, J. (2016). Determinants of participation and intensity of participation in collective action: evidence from smallholder avocado farmers in Kenya. Journal on Chain and Network Science, 15(2), 1–10. http://doi.org/10.3920/JCNS2015.0011. Organo, V., Head, L., & Waitt, G. (2013). Who does the work in sustainable households? A time and gender analysis in New South Wales, Australia. Gender, Place & Culture, 20(5), 559- 577. IFAD (2010). Study report of the international fund for agricultural development on gender and youth in the tea and coffee value Chains. Republic of Rwanda available at https://www.ifad.org/documents/10180/518776af-1649-4613-bdee-702d53c97e5,Accessed on the 20 th December 2013. Kaaria, S., Osorio, M., Wagner, S., & Gallina, A. (2016). Rural women’s participation in producer organizations : An analysis of the barriers that women face and strategies to foster equitable and effective participation. Journal of Gender, Agriculture and Food Security, 1(2), 148– 167. Kyamanywa, S., Kucel, P., Kagezi, G., Nafuna, K., Ssemwogerere, C., Kovach, J., & Erbaugh M. (2011).IPM of the white stem borer and root mealy bugs on Arabica coffee in the mt elgon region in Uganda. Lekei, E. E., Ngowi, A. V, & London, L. (2014). ‘Farmers’ knowledge, practices and injuries associated with pesticide exposure in rural farming villages in Tanzania. BMC Public Health , 11, 1–13. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3999359/. Lund, T., Sæthre, M. G., Nyborg, I., Coulibaly, O., Rahman, M., (2010). Farmer Field school-IPM impacts on urban and peri-urban vegetable producers in Cotonou: Benin. Int. J. Trop. Insect Sci. 30, 19–31. Ngowi, A. V. F., Mbise, T. J., Ijani, A. S. M., London, L., & Ajayi, O. C. (2007). Pesticides use by smallholder farmers in vegetable production in Northern Tanzania. Crop Prot, 26(11), 1617–1624. Rubin, D., Manfre, C., & Barrett, K. N. (2009). The greater access to trade expansion (GATE) Project. Final Report. T. O. N. Project prepared under the Greater Acess To Trade Expansion (GATE) project under the Women in Development IQC Contract No. GEW-1- 00-02-00018-00. Washington, D.C., United States Agency for International Development. Rubin, D., Manfre, C., & Barrett, K. N. (2009). Promoting gender equitable opportunities in agricultural value Chains (Handbook). Greater Access to Trade Expansion (GATE) Project under the Women in Development IQC. USAID. Subedi, R. (2008). Women Farmers' Participation in Agriculture Training: In Kavre District of Nepal. Msc thesis-Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, Wageningen, The Netherlands. Sabates, W. R. (2006). Safety in small numbers: local strategies for survival and growth in Romania and the Kyrgyz republic. IDS Working Paper 265. Sussex: Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex. Tanwir, M., & Safdar, T. (2013). The rural woman's constraints to participation in rural organizations. Journal of International Women's Studies, 14(3), 210. Tau, & Hassen, H. (2007). Gender manual. Prepared to Facilitate Gender Mainstreaming for Projects Financed by CSF. Addis Ababa. Ethiopia Temesgen, D., Umer, H., & Jamal, Y. (2015). Determinants of farm women participation in agricultural extension training programs: A case from selected district of Oromia Region of Ethiopia. International Journal of Agricultural Science Research, 4(4), 067-077. http://doi.org/10.3920/JCNS2015.0011 https://www.ifad.org/documents/10180/518776af-1649-4613-bdee-702d53c97e5,Accessed http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3999359/ Asian Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, 6(9)2016: 175-187 187 Timprasert, S., Datta, A., & Ranamukhaarachchi, S. L. (2014). Factors determining adoption of integrated pest management by vegetable growers in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand. Crop protection, 62, 32-39. Waddington, H., White, H., & Anderson, J. (2014). Farmer field schools: From agricultural extension to adult education. Systematic Review Summary 1. Waskom, R. M., & Yergert, D. M. (1994). Best Management Practices for Pesticide and Fertilizer Storage and Handling. Bulletin #XCM-178.