RURAL FARMERS’ PERCEPTIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND MANAGEMENT OF INSECT PESTS OF OKRA (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) IN SIERRA LEONE

A survey was conducted in seven districts of Sierra Leone, to evaluate farmer’s perceptions, knowledge and management practices of okra insect pests using individual interviews with a structured questionnaire. The results revealed higher population of females with over 17 years of experience in okra production, and their active productive age groups ranged from 30-51 years. Across districts, 51.4% of the okra farmers are unschooled and most cultivate okra during the dries in swampy ecologies with a farm size of 0.05 hectares. Most farmers reported ants and hoppers as the major insect pests and the most prevalent cultural method of insect control was wood ash and used of chemicals. Hence, the need to initiate group learning and exchange of experiences in pest management within and between farmer groups. Farmer’s indigenous management practices of okra insect pests should be given due attention in research and development of okra insect pest management strategies.