Ghana | Adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Enhancing Climate Resilience among Small-Holder Tomato Farmers in North Central, Nigeria
Beyond Boundaries: Social Science Perspectives on Identity, Innovation, Inclusion, and Climate Resilience in the Digital Age |
9th School of Social Sciences International Conference,
University of Ghana | 10-12 March 2026
Abstract: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a climate-resilient, ecologically sound approach to crop protection, yet its comprehensive adoption among smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa remains constrained. This study assessed IPM adoption among 180 smallholder tomato farmers in Northwest Nigeria, characterising information sources, adoption stages across 23 specific practices, and constraints to adoption using advanced graphical and multivariate analysis methods. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted using a four-stage random sampling design. A pre-tested structured questionnaire with four sections was administered by 18 trained enumerators via face-to-face interviews. Data were analysed using mean score ranking, ranking trend analysis, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), association heatmaps, hierarchical cluster analysis, and respondent-level index profiles. Respondents were predominantly male (mean =0.96) with a mean age of 46.67 years and a mean farming experience of 9.37 years. Family and friends (mean = 0.99) and radio (0.91) dominated information access, while research institutes (mean =0.32) ranked last. Chemical practices achieved the highest adoption stage scores: right quantity of fertiliser (mean = 4.39), applying fertiliser at the right time (mean = 4.03) and hand weeding (4.08), while biological practices were least adopted with natural enemies of pests (mean = 2.21) and autocidal techniques (2.24). All 13 constraints exceeded the agreement threshold. Inadequate funds ranked first (mean = 4.59; SD = 0.60; Strongly Agree), followed by inadequate government support (mean = 4.49), lack of timely expert advice (mean = 4.14), inadequate technical know-how (mean = 4.08) and unfavourable pricing (mean = 4.02). IPM adoption in Northwest Nigeria is characterised by a pronounced chemical-to-biological gradient sustained by interacting financial, institutional, knowledge, market, and collective-action barriers. A coordinated multi-stakeholder strategy simultaneously addressing financial access, extension quality, input market development, and value chain incentives is essential for comprehensive IPM adoption and climate resilience.
Keywords: Adoption, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Tomato production, Pest infestation
