Title : Farmers awareness, perceptions and management of Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) disease in Kenya: A Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAPS) approach
Abstract:
Maize lethal necrosis (MLN) disease presents a considerable challenge to maize production limiting food and nutrition security goals in Kenya. The effective management of MLN is contingent upon farmers’ ability to identify the disease, their knowledge, and perceptions regarding it, and access to relevant information. Nonetheless, empirical data addressing these aspects has been limited. This study surveyed 398 maize farmers across five agroecological zones (AEZs): Moist mid-Altitude (MMA), Dry Mid Altitudes (DTA) Moist Transitional (MT), Highland Tropics (HTs), and Dry Transitional (DT). The research employed a stratified two-stage cluster sampling design. Data were collected through structured questionnaires via computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATIs) using the SurveyCTO tool and analyzed with multivariable logistic regression in STATA software. The findings indicated that 44% had heard of MLN, 41% of the farmers were aware of MLN, exhibiting significant variations across AEZs, and 20% demonstrated awareness of MLN-tolerant varieties. The knowledge levels were highest in the Moist Transitional Zone (47%). Among the identified symptoms, chlorotic mottle and leaf necrosis were the most recognized (90%), in contrast to shortened internodes, which were the least recognized (14%). Among the surveyed farmers, 60% had monitored MLN and engaged in various management practices; the most prevalent disease management strategy involved the uprooting of infected maize plants, followed by burying them (27%) or utilizing them as livestock feed (21%). The primary factors influencing MLN awareness included years of education, group membership, access to MLN information, and extension services. The results were later subsequently validated through the machine learning technique using Lasso logit regression. This study underscores the critical importance of disseminating MLN information to bolster disease monitoring and enhance awareness, thereby facilitating effective MLN management. It is recommended that existing platforms be utilized for the dissemination of MLN-related information to farmers.
