Abstract

This study quantified crop losses and economic impacts associated with papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus) infestation in Kenya and identified the most important predictors of papaya tree (Carica papaya L.) yield losses through a household survey of 404 farmers. At least 95% male and 88% female respondents correctly identified papaya mealybug. Papaya was the most affected crop by the pest, with 73% of the respondents indicating that a major part (>60%) of their trees was affected. The estimated papaya yield losses due to papaya mealybug were 57%, with an associated annual economic loss of US$3,009 per ha at the farm level and US$29.8 million at the national level. Regression analysis showed significant yield-reducing effects with high infestation levels of papaya mealybug, use of local varieties, and use of indigenous pest control practices. Economic losses differed significantly by county, with the highest losses reported in Mombasa. Male farmers reported higher losses than their female counterparts. Findings highlight the need for location and gender-specific information on pest management for effectiveness in controlling papaya mealybug.

摘要

本研究量化了肯尼亚与木瓜粉虱 ( Paracoccus marginatus ) 侵染相关的作物损失和经济影响，并确定了木瓜树 ( Carica papaya )最重要的预测因子L.) 通过对 404 名农民的家庭调查得出的产量损失。至少 95% 的男性和 88% 的女性受访者正确识别出木瓜粉虱。木瓜是受害虫影响最严重的作物，73% 的受访者表示他们的大部分（>60%）树木受到影响。据估计，木瓜粉虱造成的木瓜产量损失为 57%，农场层面的相关年度经济损失为每公顷 3,009 美元，国家层面为 2,980 万美元。回归分析表明，木瓜粉虱的高侵染水平、本地品种的使用以及本地害虫控制措施的使用对产量产生了显着的影响。经济损失因县而异，蒙巴萨报告的损失最高。男性农民报告的损失高于女性农民。