A better understanding of gendered perception on the prevalence and management of pests in irrigated agriculture in the context of a changing climate can help recommend more gender-sensitive policies, particularly in smallholder farming systems. Limited studies have been conducted to assess gender differences in perception of the prevalence and management of pests among smallholder irrigation schemes especially in Zimbabwe. This study is the first one to assess gendered perceptions on the change in prevalence and management of pests in Exchange, Insukamini, and Ruchanyu irrigation schemes in Zimbabwe. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered using face-to-face interviews with participants. Data from focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used for validating data from questionnaire interviews. Mann-Whitney U test was employed to assess perception on the prevalence of pests between male and female farmers. Findings from this study depict that the females perceived a higher prevalence of bollworms (Helicoverpa armigera) (P ≤ 0.01), fall armyworms (Spodoptera frugiperda) (P ≤ 0.01), red spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) (P ≤ 0.01), and maize grain weevils (Sitophilus zeamais) (P ≤ 0.01) than males, while males perceive a higher prevalence of termites (Isoptera) (P ≤ 0.01) and cutworms (Noctuidae) (P ≤ 0.01) than females. Both male and female farmers perceived a greater increase in prevalence of aphids (Aphidoidea). Here, we show that farmers’ perceptions of changes in pest prevalence and pest management strategies differ by gender. Gender perception on change in prevalence of pests can be a valuable resource for the sustainable development of smallholder irrigation farming system and scientific research.

在气候变化的背景下，更好地了解对灌溉农业中害虫流行和管理的性别认知，有助于推荐对性别问题更加敏感的政策，尤其是在小农农业系统中。已经进行了有限的研究来评估小农灌溉计划中害虫流行和管理方面的性别差异，特别是在津巴布韦。这项研究是第一个评估津巴布韦 Exchange、Insukamini 和 Ruchanyu 灌溉计划中害虫流行和管理变化的性别看法。半结构化问卷通过与参与者的面对面访谈进行管理。来自焦点小组讨论和关键知情人访谈的数据用于验证问卷访谈的数据。曼-惠特尼U检验用于评估男性和女性农民对害虫流行率的看法。这项研究的结果表明，雌性认为棉铃虫 ( Helicoverpa armigera ) ( P ≤ 0.01)、秋粘虫 ( Spodoptera frugiperda ) ( P ≤ 0.01)、红叶螨 ( Tetranychus urticae ) ( P ≤ 0.01) 和玉米粒象鼻虫 ( Sitophilus zeamais ) ( P ≤ 0.01) 高于雄性，而雄性认为白蚁 (等翅目) ( P ≤ 0.01) 和地老虎 (夜蛾科) ( P≤ 0.01) 高于女性。男性和女性农民都认为蚜虫（ Aphidoidea）的流行率增加了更多。在这里，我们表明农民对害虫流行和害虫管理策略变化的看法因性别而异。对害虫流行率变化的性别看法可以成为小农灌溉农业系统和科学研究可持续发展的宝贵资源。