The Impact of Farming Characteristics on the Adoption of Integrated Pest Management Practices Among Paddy Farmers in Vavuniya District, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the association between the demographic characteristics and farming practices with the choice of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), as well as the impact of farming practices on IPM adoption among the paddy farmers in Vavuniya district. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, and 100 paddy farmers in Vavuniya district were purposively selected for data collection in 2023. Data collection included a semi-structured questionnaire survey, focus group discussions, personal interviews, and participant observation. Quantitative data analysis techniques included frequency analysis, the Chi-square test, and the Multinomial Probit Model. Qualitative data were analyzed using interpretive analysis. The results showed that 76% of paddy farmers used chemical control methods, 16% used cultural control methods, and only 8% used mechanical control methods. The Chi-square test showed that, among demographic characteristics, only race was significantly associated with IPM choice, whereas among farming practices, yield consideration, land ownership, and pest types were significantly associated. The Multinomial Probit Model results revealed that all explanatory variables related to farming practices yield consideration, types of fertilizer, types of labour, land size, types of weeds, and types of pests were major factors determining the choice of IPM practices. Moreover, the qualitative interpretive analysis revealed that farming area, farmers' risk-taking attitudes, family background, and experience influenced their choice of IPM practices. Additionally, factors such as the country's economic situation and environmental conditions, including unforeseen weather changes, also influenced IPM practice choices. This study revealed that a lack of knowledge in choosing IPM practices is a key limitation. Therefore, it is recommended that regular information be provided to paddy farmers on effective IPM practices.