Factors affecting the use of cultural methods in the control of BXW in Rubaya Sub-county, Mbarara District.

Abstract

Banana Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW) is the most devastating banana disease in Uganda causing up to 100% yield loss if not controlled. In response, a number of cultural methods have been recommended by a number of organizations to combat it. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that affect the use of cultural methods in the control of BXW in Rubaya Sub- County, Mbarara district. The specific objectives were to; 1) examine the cultural methods used in the control of BXW; 2) determine the banana farmer preferences of the cultural methods used in the control of BXW and; 3) determine the factors that influence the use of cultural methods in the control of BXW in Rubaya. A cross-sectional design was used for the study. Quantitative data was gathered from a random sample of 60 participants using a structured interview schedule. Qualitative data was collected from 4 focus group discussions (each with an average of 10 participants) and two key informant interviews using a focus group discussion guide and key informant interview guide respectively. The survey data was analyzed using SPSS while thematic content analysis was used to analyze the FGD and KII data. The results showed that a considerable majority of banana farmers in Rubaya have embraced a range of cultural methods for the control of BXW. The common and preferred cultural methods used in the control of BXW included; cutting male buds (96.7%), removing infected plant parts (90%), employing clean planting materials (81.7%), and ensuring the disinfection of tools (73.3%) respectively. Noteworthy was the innovation demonstrated by farmers, such as using ash and charcoal to repel insect pests from the infected plants and strategically planting tobacco alongside bananas to curtail the disease's spread. The major determinants influencing the use of the cultural methods were; effectiveness of the method (90.0%), adequate knowledge of application (86.7%), availability/accessibility of the method (78.3%), advice from experts (63.3%) and affordability of the method (46.7%) among others. The results also showed that socio-demographics such as household size (P=0.005), size of banana plantation (P=0.024) and education level (P=0.021) had a significant influence on the use of a particular method. Therefore, there is need for the government through extension workers to further train banana farmers and equip them with current knowledge and skills on the BXW control methods for a more sustainable and productive banana cultivation in this region.