Farmers’ knowledge, perceptions and control of pestiferous termites in Nakasongola district, Uganda

Abstract

This study documented farmers’ indigenous knowledge on termite damage and management practices in Nakasongola district, Uganda using a pre-tested questionnaire. The majority (84%) of 94 farmers interviewed were aware of the termite damage on vegetation in rangelands and croplands, and the damaging termite species. Pseudacanthotermes militaris, Macrotermes subhyalinus, M. bellicosus, Nasutitermes arboreus and Eutermes arborum were reported to cause severe damage to pasture grass, trees and/or crops. Farmers’ knowledge of termite damage was significantly influenced by their age, sex and education. About half of the farmers had attempted to control termites, but with little success. Application of chemicals was the most commonly reported control method followed by queen removal. Farmers’ efforts to control termites were mainly limited by high costs of chemicals and lack of knowledge on effective control methods. Implications of these findings on the development and promotion of integrated termite management strategies are discussed.