Gendered perception of change in prevalence of pests and management in Zimbabwe smallholder irrigation schemes

Abstract A better understanding of gendered perception on the prevalence and management pests in irrigated agriculture context a changing climate can help recommend more gender-sensitive policies, particularly smallholder farming systems. Limited studies have been conducted to assess gender differences among irrigation schemes especially Zimbabwe. This study is first one perceptions change Exchange, Insukamini, Ruchanyu Semi-structured questionnaires were administered using face-to-face interviews with participants. Data from focus group discussions key informant used for validating data questionnaire interviews. Mann-Whitney U test was employed between male female farmers. Findings this depict that females perceived higher bollworms ( Helicoverpa armigera ) P ? 0.01), fall armyworms Spodoptera frugiperda red spider mites Tetranychus urticae maize grain weevils Sitophilus zeamais 0.01) than males, while males perceive termites Isoptera cutworms Noctuidae females. Both farmers greater increase aphids Aphidoidea ). Here, we show farmers’ changes pest strategies differ by gender. Gender be valuable resource sustainable development system scientific research.