Perception and Level of Knowledge of the Fall Armyworm (<i>Spodoptera frugiperda</i> J.E. Smith) by Maize Farmers in the Southern Agricultural Zone of Niger

Abstract

Maize is one of the cereals most consumed by households in Niger. Its production remains marginal despite the efforts made in hydro-agricultural development both around the Niger River and in the interior of the country. The detection of the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith) in 2016 in Niger, followed by its rapid spread where in less than a year it has spread over almost the entire national territory is not without consequence on the yields of the but already very low in the main production areas. As a result, maize production is increasingly being abandoned in the southern agricultural zone of Niger. In fact, this caterpillar has become a major pest of maize because of the significant damage observed on this crop during its growth and development cycle. This situation calls for research to be conducted to help maize producers better manage this pest. The objective of this study is to assess the level of knowledge and management of FAW by maize farmers in the southern agricultural zone of Niger. A survey was conducted in July and August 2020 on a sample of 408 farmers in this zone using an individual questionnaire designed and integrated into the ODK data collection software. The results obtained showed that 93% of the producers recognize FAW through its morphology and the aspects of its damage; 53.25% estimate that the attack rate is very high and 60.75% of the producers use pesticides in the management of this pest against only 1.5% who use biopesticides. These results clearly indicate the severity of FAW attacks on corn and the massive use of pesticides by producers.