Adoption of cowpea bruchid control technologies in eastern Uganda

Infestation and damage of stored cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) grain by bruchids (Callosobruchus maculatus) is a challenge to majority of farmers in drier parts of Uganda where the crop serves as a major source of vegetables especially during the dry season. Although several measures are being used to avert the problem, it remains apparent despite proven control strategies that have been disseminated. This study was undertaken to identify factors hindering adoption of cowpea bruchid control technologies; and was conducted in 2013 using a survey questionnaire in eastern Uganda with 160 farmers. Results revealed that key variables including lack of inputs, labour limitation, lack of capital, lack of market, high input costs, transport limitation and lack of information on recommended bruchid control technologies significantly constrained the adoption of cowpea bruchid control technologies. Lack of inputs had the highest (80%), while transport limitation was the least considered (6.3%). Thus, non-adoption and/ or partial adoption could be attributed to several factors which demonstrate that it takes more than effective technologies in postharvest handling to secure adoption. Uptake pathways should take these factors into consideration.