Effects of the implementation of integrated pest management on cotton [(Gossypium hirsutum) farms in Bayawan City, Negros Occidental, Philippines

This study was conducted primarily to evaluate effect of the implementation of IPM on cotton farms of farmers in Bayawan City who participated in the Farmer Field School (FFS) in 2003-2004 dry season. Specifically, it aimed to: describe the socio-demographic characteristics of cotton farmers; assess the level of IPM knowledge and skills; assess the changes in cultural, pest and insecticide management practices; determine yields; production cost, and profitability obtained by cotton farmers; assess the health status among cotton farmers, the change in damage severity caused by cotton pests and the presence of common indicator animals in their cotton farms; and describe he extent of local IPM program institutionalization at farmer level, barangay [village] level, and city or municipality level. Fifty-one (51) farmers from the lowlands and uplands of Bayawan City were selected as respondents through purposive sampling. Means, frequencies and percentages were employed to describe the characteristics of farmer-respondents. The t-test and Pearson's Product Moment Correlation Analyses were undertaken to identify differences and relationships between or among variables. Results showed that the performance of farmer-respondents, as regards to IPM knowledge and practice test was highly demonstrative since their average level of knowledge and skills was rated high. The status of IPM implementation among respondents in both the low lands and uplands was satisfactory as indicated by the desirable areas of change in the following: cultural management, pest management, and insecticide management practices. Increased yield, reduced input expenditures, increased profitability were obvious effect of the implementation of IPM on economic aspect of farmer-respondents. The effect of IPM implementation on environment was seen through the improvement of farmer-respondents' health, reduced insect pest damage severity on their crops and increased appearance of indicator animals commonly associated with their cotton agro-ecosystem. The study also unveiled that IPM institutionalization was directly indisputable at the farmer, barangay and city levels.