Farmers' perceptions of climate change in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) production under irrigation schemes in Chief Masembura area (ward 12), Bindura district
- Author
- Murungwa, Esther
- Title
- Farmers' perceptions of climate change in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) production under irrigation schemes in Chief Masembura area (ward 12), Bindura district
- Abstract
- Anticipated climate change is likely to be a major constraint to production of both rain-fed and irrigated crops including tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), which, is one of the most valued vegetable crops globally. Information on farmers ‘perception on the effect of climate change on tomato production is scanty, therefore a survey was undertaken to assess farmers' perceptions and effects of climate change on tomato production under irrigation schemes in Masembura under chief Masembura area of Bindura District. Data was collected using structured questionnaire and participants were drawn using convenience sampling techniques. The study revealed that 58% of the participants were between the ages 25 and 45years, majority of them being males (67%). All of the farmers interviewed demonstrated knowledge about climate change. More than 60% of the total respondents perceived that climate change has resulted in erratic rainfall, wilting of tomato crops and increase in tomato insect pests. This study also revealed that climate change effects has caused reduction tomato yield, increase in tomato insects (Tuta absoluta), late blight disease (Phytophtora infestans) and a decrease (37%) in land hectarage due to shortage of irrigation water. Farmers ‘knowledge could have emanated from the outreach programmes by Non-Governmental Organisation and AGRITEX extension services in the area. The study concludes that most of the tomato farmers under irrigation schemes were aware of the effects of climate change and result in erratic rainfall and increase in temperature which may result in wilting of tomato crops.
- Date
- June 2025
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Solanum lycopersicum
- Perceived effect
- Climate change
- Irrigation schemes
- Supervisor
- Prof. R. Mandumbu
- Item sets
- Department of Crop Sciences
