Xanthomonas wilt of enset in Ethiopia: Geographical spread, impact on production systems and the effect of training on disease management practices

Xanthomonas wilt of enset is a major bacterial disease affecting the entire enset-growing belt in southern Ethiopian highlands, impacting food security and livelihoods small-holder subsistence farmers. Through extensive interviews field validation visits with 354 households covering 19 communities (kebeles), we show 70% farms to present current past infections, median 18% cumulative plant loss across affected years since appearance. Training by extension services proved critical for building up farmers’ knowledge on management, effective implementation persistence continue production even when dealing widespread infestations. After receiving training, farmers were ten times more likely implement targeted hygienic practices only half as non-recommended cultural practices. Nevertheless, training management did not guarantee consistent Farmers remained reluctant dispose infected plants, part management. Moreover, mostly applied once plants are observed farm, but unaware preventive approaches. Extension had also reached all communities, 64% having received at time survey. Key words: Disease farmer household surveys, campestris pv. musacearum