Mango Farmers’ Perception on the Effect of Fruit Flies Infestation

The reductions in quality and quantity of marketable mango fruits due to fruit fly infestation have impact on farmers through revenue losses. The study identified the common fruit flies on mango plantation; assessed the control measures of fruit flies infestation; among others. Interviewers administered questionnaire was used to elicit information from 200 mango farmers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The results revealed that majority of the respondents were males (55.5%), had non-formal education (47.5%), with mean age of 60 years, mean household size of 4 members and years of farming experience was 20 years. The study further revealed that marula fruit fly (92.5%) was ranked first. Hand picking (94.0%) was identified as the most prominent control measure. The respondents perceived fruit flies as causing premature dropping of fruits (62.0%) as the major effect of fruit flies on mango. The result further revealed that at p 0.05, age (r=-0.267), household size (r=0.297) and years of experience (r=-0.158) were significant to farmers’ perception on the effect of fruit flies infestation. The study concluded that fruit flies infestation affect mango farmers in several ways. The study therefore recommended that extension training in orchard management should be organized for the mango farmers.