Farmer’s perspectives of rodent pests’ damage and management practices in Wenchi highlands, central Ethiopia

Abstract A study was conducted to obtain information about the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of farmers in Wenchi highlands on rodent damage and their management practices. Farmers (n=395) from four highland villages of Wenchi District were randomly selected and interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Rodents were identified as major pests, and perceived negatively among farmers. There were significant variations in the type of damage (χ2=112.698, df= 3, p < 0.05) and crop types susceptibility to rodent pest attack (χ2= 143.26, df = 3, P < 0.05). Crop damage (38.7%) and damage to human properties (27.9%) were the two dominant rodent related problems in the area. Barley was the most susceptible crop to rodent attack (57.5%). The occurrence of frequency of rodent pests and crop damage between the cropping stages also varied significantly. Most damage on barley crop (42.5%) occurred during the maturation stage. Farmers assessed and detected rodents damage by observing damaged seeds, damaged stores and rodent droppings in the storage, and stem cut of standing crops in the crop fields. None of the farmers have employed any management strategy in barley crop fields stating that this is practically impossible. In storage, farmers mainly use cats (53.73%) and trapping (22.64%) to control rodents. Detailed off-field rodent damage assessment, and community education for rodent management are recommended.