Assessment of Production Constraints, Crop and Pest Management Practices in Peri-Urban Vegetable Farms of Botswana

Abstract

Enhancing the environmental soundness of agricultural practices, particularly in high input systems, is of increasing concern to those involved in crop production, agricultural research and development. This study assessed farmers’ assets, production constraints, and farm and pest management practices of peri-urban vegetable farmers in Botswana. The study was meant to provide basic information that could be used to advice farmers, researchers and agricultural extension agents to improve the production of vegetable farming in the country. A random sampling procedure was used to select and survey 48 vegetable farmers across the country. The survey was carried out using a structured questionnaire. The study established that peri-urban vegetable farming is a male dominated business with more than 75% of the farmers at their prime age and with a good educational back ground (>52% received at least secondary school education). Water stress, pests, market and labour were among the major production constraints that the interviewed peri-urban vegetable farmers were facing. Vegetable production in the peri-urban areas of the country was intensive and pest management relied completely on the use of pesticides. Vegetable production ranked as the sole source of income for 50% of the interviewed farmers and one of the three main sources of income for farmers interviewed. It was also noted that majority (>54%) of the vegetable farms are managed by employed farm managers with little supervision from the owners. Although vegetable farming in Botswana is improving the living standard of farmers, there is need to encourage participation of females in the activity, improve the supply of inputs and reduce the overdependence on synthetic chemicals through development of integrated pest management strategies.