Int. J. Agron. Agri. R.

International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research (IJAAR)

ISSN: 2223-7054 (Print) 2225-3610 (Online)
http://www.innspub.net
Vol. 21, No. 6, p. 40-48, 2022
RESEARCH PAPER OPEN ACCESS

Assessing farmers knowledge and perceptions on incidence and

management of Banana bunchy top disease
Godfrey Tiwonge Kayira*, George Chemining’wa, Douglas Miano

University of Nairobi, Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection, Nairobi, Kenya,
Turkana University College, Lodwar, Kenya

Article published December 06, 2022

Key words: Banana bunchy top disease, Farmers, Recommended control measures

Abstract

A survey was conducted to assess the farmers’ knowledge and perceptions on the incidence and management of
the banana bunchy top disease (BBTD). A semi- structured questionnaire was administered to 76 randomly
selected farmers in Mulanje and Nkhatabay districts of Malawi. The data collected included: dominant crops over
the previous five years, banana cropping systems, type of fertilizer used, knowledge of BBTD and its
recommended control measures, and challenges faced in banana production. Most farmers (30.8% in Mulanje
and 50.0% in Nkhatabay) stated that banana was the dominant crop over the previous five years. Majority of the
farmers (88.5% in Mulanje and 80.0% in Nkhatabay) planted their bananas in mats and most of the farmers in
Mulanje (88.5%) and Nkhatabay (20%) had less than 20 mats each. Recommended plant spacing (3m by 3m) was
followed by most of the farmers (76.9% in Mulanje and 50.0% in Nkhatabay). Majority of the famers (55.4% in
Mulanje and 63.0% in Nkhatabay) had knowledge of the disease. Furthermore, 30.7% of the farmers in Mulanje
and 48.0% in Nkhatabay reported that they controlled the disease by uprooting the infected plants. The study
also revealed that the yield of banana had reduced by 15 to 30 tons per hectare due to BBTD.
* Corresponding Author: Godfrey Tiwonge Kayira  godkayirabe@ymail.com

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Introduction Despite the challenges that the disease has caused to

Banana (Musa species) is a staple food for over 70 banana production industry in Malawi, there is
million people in Africa and one of the most limited information regarding the farmers’ knowledge
important fruits in the world (Frison and Sharrock, and perception on incidence of BBTD. A study was set
1998). In Malawi, the crop is ranked sixth in up to assess the farmers’ knowledge, perception on
importance after maize, rice, groundnuts, vegetables incidence and management of the banana bunchy top
and beans (Gondwe and Banda, 2002). The banana in order to develop management practices that will
industry is one of the target areas in Malawi’s crop help to reduce spreading of the disease.
diversification program because of its role in
household food security and poverty alleviation. Materials and methods
Despite its importance in food security and income Study site
generation in most of the households, the yield of A survey was carried out in Milonde extension
banana has been decreasing due to challenges of planning area (EPA) in Mulanje district and in
pests, diseases and low fertility. Soko et al. (2012), Mpamba and Chintheche EPAs in Nkhatabay district.

reported that banana bunchy top disease reduced Nkhatabay district lies on 11.6086oSouth,

banana production from 35t/ha to 8t/ha in the 34.2949oEast. It has total land coverage of 4,071 sq.

districts of Nkhatabay and Nkhotakota. Banana km and it is located at 485 m above sea level. The

bunchy top disease (BBTD) is one of the devastating district receives an annual rainfall of 1500 mm and

viral diseases of banana. The disease was first the highest rainfall is experienced in the months of

reported in Fiji Islands in 1889 (Magee, 1927) while in February to April. It is dominated by clay-loam,

Malawi, the disease was first reported in 1994 but sandy-loam and clay soils. It also experiences

confirmed by Kenyon et al. (1997). The banana minimum temperature of 18oC and a maximum
temperature of 35oC (SEP for Nkhatabay, 2012).
bunchy top disease (BBTD) is caused by BBTV of
Mulanje district is located in the southern region of
genus Babuvirus, in the family Nanovirade. It is
Malawi. The district covers 2056 square kilometers
spread by banana aphid (Pentalonia nigronervosa
and is located at 764 m above sea level (SEP for
Coq) and vegetative planting materials (Qazi, 2015).
Mulanje district, 2014). The predominant soils in the
district are clay-loam, sandy clay- loamy, sandy-loam
Land degradation which is resulting to poor soil
and clay soils (SEP for Mulanje district, 2014). The
fertility is one of the challenges that is leading to poor
district experiences an average temperature of 27oC
crop productivity in Malawi (Njoloma et al., 2016).
and average rainfall of 1150 mm annually. It lies on
Fertility loss in Malawi continues to increase, which is
15.9346o South and 34º35.52200 East.
not good for a country whose economy is dependent
on agriculture (FAO, 2011). Njoloma et al. (2016)
Sample size and sampling method
reported that Malawi loss over of 30 Kg of N and 20
The study targeted banana farmers from three different
Kg of P per hectare per year through erosion. Banana
Extension Planning Areas (EPA) in the districts of
bunchy top disease spread may be accelerated by poor
Nkhatabay and Mulanje. The formula below was used
plant nutrition because most smallholder farmers in
to determine the sample size (Slovin, 1960):
Malawi do not apply fertilizer to the crop. James
ே
n=
(2011) reported that banana bunchy top management ଵାே(௘)మ

practices in Malawi include uprooting and burning

Where n is the sample size, N is population size and e
infected banana plants, application of pesticides to
is the level of precision. Ninety five percent (95%)
control aphids, instituting a quarantine to prevent
level of precision was used in this survey.
new infection. Uprooting of diseased banana plants
has proved to be labor intensive for farmers Systematic random sampling was used because a
(Kumwenda, 2013). sample obtained by this method tends to be more

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 Int. J. Agron. Agri. R.

representatives (Bellhouse, 2005). The population both Mulanje (65.4%) and Nkhatabay (94.0%) reported
size (N) for each EPA was divided by sample size (n) that crop production was their source of income
to determine the sampling ratio (Kth). The first farmer followed by casual labor and small scale businesses.
to be selected was the Kth in each EPA and every Kth
farmer was selected for the survey. In total 76 farmers Table 1. Gender, marital status, age, and education
were selected, 50 farmers from Nkhatabay district level of respondents (%) in Mulanje and Nkhatabay
and 26 farmers from Mulanje district. The study was district of Malawi.
done in the month of November, 2016. District
Mulanje Nkhatabay
Gender
Data collection Male 23.1 52
Data collected included: demographics, dominant Female 76.9 48
Marital Status
crops over the previous five years, banana cropping Single 12 4
systems, type of fertilizer used, knowledge of banana Married 72 68
Divorced 8 6
bunchy top disease and its recommended control Windowed 8 22
measures, severity of banana bunchy top disease and Never married 0 0
Age
challenges faced in banana production. Below 20 3.8 4
21-30 30.8 24
32-40 38.5 38
Data Analysis Above 40 26.9 34
The data was cleaned; coded and descriptive statistics Education level
Primary 54 62
generated using the Statistical Package for Social Secondary 31 22
Scientists (SPSS). Tertiary 0 2
No formal education 15 14
sample size =76
Results
Table 2. Dominant crops over the previous five years
Demographic and social-economic data
(2010-2015) and farmers’ source of income in Mulanje
In Mulanje, majority of respondents (76.9%) were
and Nkhatabay districts of Malawi (% respondents).
female while in Nkhatabay majority (52.0%) were male
Districts
(Table 1). Majority of the respondents (72.0% in
Mulanje Nkhatabay
Mulanje and 68.0% in Nkhatabay) were married. Age Dominant crops over the five years
Banana 30.8 50.0
of the respondents varied with the majority (38.5% in
Oranges 3.8 0.0
Mulanje and 38.0% in Nkhatabay) being aged between Avocado 3.8 2.0
Maize 30.7 16.0
32 and 40 years. Level of education for the respondents
Cassava 3.8 8.0
also varied with majority of the respondents having Tea 3.8 0.0
Sweet potato 19.5 6.0
attended primary school (54.0% in Mulanje and 62.0%
Rice 0.0 18.0
in Nkhatabay). Only 15.0% and 14.0% of respondents Groundnuts 3.8 0.0
Source of Income
in Mulanje and Nkhatabay respectively had not gone
Crop production 65.4 94.0
through any formal education. Casual labor 30.8 0.0
Small scale business 3.8 6.0
Sample size= 76
Dominant crops over the previous five years (2010-
2015) and farmers’ source of income in Mulanje and Banana cropping systems in Mulanje and
Nkhatabay districts of Malawi Nkhatabay districts of Malawi in 2016
The top three crops in a descending order in the In Mulanje and Nkhatabay Districts, banana was grown
previous five years were banana, maize, and sweet either in mats or orchards (Table 2). The majority of the
potato in Mulanje district and banana, rice and maize in farmers in Mulanje (88.5%) and Nkhatabay (80.0%)
Nkhatabay district (Table 2). Banana was the most district planted their banana in mats. Few farmers in
dominant crop (30.8% in Mulanje and 50.0% in Mulanje (11.5%) and in Nkhatabay (20.0%) reported to
Nkhatabay) in both districts. Majority of the farmers in be growing banana in orchards.

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Majority of the farmers in Mulanje (88.5%) and Agronomic management of banana fields in Mulanje
Nkhatabay (50.0%) who planted in mats had less and Nkhatabay districts of Malawi
than 20 mats each. Majority of the respondents in Majority of farmers in Mulanje (69.2%) and
Mulanje (76.9%) and Nkhatabay (82.0%) had 0.1- Nkhatabay (64%) reported that they did not apply
0.25 acres of land under banana. No farmer had over fertilizer in banana (Table 3). Of the farmers who
240 mats and no farmer had more than 0.4 acres applied fertilizers, majority in both districts (80.8% in
under banana in the two districts. Farmers in Mulanje Mulanje and 90.0% in Nkhatabay) used organic
used plant spacing of 3m by 3m (76.9%), 4m by 4m fertilizers. Majority of the farmers weeded their
(15.5%), 2m by 4m (3.8%) and 2m by 2m (3.8%). In banana mats or orchards twice and three times a year.
Nkhatabay, farmers used plant spacing of 3m by 3m
(50%), 3m by 2m (2%), 6m by 2m (2%) and 4m by 4m Table 3. Agronomic management of banana fields in
(2%). Forty four percent (44%) of the farmers in Mulanje and Nkhatabay districts of Malawi (%
Nkhatabay had no specific plant spacing. Six banana respondents).
varieties namely Zambia, Mpama, Mulanje, Districts
Grandnaine, Mzeru and Kabuthu were grown in Mulanje Nkhatabay
Fertilizer application
Mulanje and Nkhatabay district. The top three varieties Applied 30.8 36.0
grown in Mulanje district were Grandnaine (42.3%), Did not apply 69.2 64.0
Type of fertilizer used
Kabuthu (30.8%) and Zambia (15.3%). In Nkhatabay, Organic 80.8 90.0
the top three grown varieties were Kabuthu (36.0%), Inorganic 19.2 10.0
Frequency of weeding
Zambia (34.0%) and Grandnaine (24.0%). Mzeru was Once a year 7.7 10.0
the least (2%) grown variety in Nkhatabay district and Twice a year 46.2 44.0
Three times a year 42.3 46.0
it was not grown in Mulanje district. Four times a year 3.8 0.0
sample size =76
Table 2. Banana cropping systems in Mulanje and
Challenges faced by farmers in banana production in
Nkhatabay districts of Malawi in 2016 (% respondents).
Mulanje and Nkhatabay districts of Malawi
District
Mulanje Nkhatabay The leading challenge for the interviewed farmers in
Banana cropping system
Mats 88.5 80.0 both districts was BBTV (100%) (Table 3.5). In
Orchard 11.5 20.0 Mulanje farmers also reported that lack of improved
Number of mats per farmer
≤ 20 88.5 50.0 varieties (80.1%), theft (61.5%), lack of knowledge in
21-121 7.7 40.0
banana production (40.8%), unreliable markets
122-240 3.8 10.0
≥ 241 0.0 0.0 (30.7%), poor soil fertility (15.3% and pests (7.7%) as
Acreage under banana orchards
≤0.09 11.5 10.0 major constraints. In Nkhatabay, farmers reported lack
0.1-0.25 76.9 82.0 of improved varieties (42.0%), theft (32.0%), lack of
0.26-0.4 3.8 8.0
≥0.4 0.0 0.0 knowledge in banana production (24.0%), unreliable
Plant spacing
markets (16.0%), poor soil fertility (8%) and pests (8%)
2 m* 2 m 3.8 2.0
2 m*4 m 3.8 2.0 as some of the challenges to banana production.
3 m* 2 m 0.0 2.0
3 m *3 m 76.9 50.0
4 m* 4 m 15.5 2.0
Knowledge of farmers on strategies for improving
5 m* 5 m 0.0 0.0
6 m* 3 m 0.0 2.0 the management of banana bunchy top disease in
No specific spacing 0.0 40.0
Banana varieties being grown Mulanje and Nkhatabay districts of Malawi
Kabunthu 30.8 36.0 Majority of the respondents reported that they had
Mpama 7.7 2.0
Zambia 15.3 34.0 knowledge on BBTD recommended control measures
Mulanje 3.9 2.0
in both districts (55.4% in Mulanje and 63.0% in
Grandnaine 42.3 24.0
Mzeru 0.0 2.0 Nkhatabay) (Table 36). Majority of the farmers in
sample size= 76
both districts listed sharing of suckers (96.0% in

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Mulanje and 83.0% in Nkhatabay) and insects (46.0% Table 5. Banana bunchy top disease severity, yield
in Mulanje and 56.0% in Nkhatabay) as ways in which reduction and impact of banana bunchy top disease
BBTV spread. A large proportion of the farmers on banana production in Mulanje and Nkhatabay
sourced information on recommended BBTD control districts of Malawi (% respondents).
measures from extension workers (80.0% in Mulanje District
and 54.0% in Nkhatabay). Mulanje Nkhatabay
Yield reduced after noticing
BBTD symptoms
Majority of the respondents listed training on best Reduction 80.6 80
No reduction 19.4 20
management practices (46.2% in Mulanje and 36.0% Quantities of yield reduction
in Nkhatabay) and uprooting and burning of infected 0-15 tons/ha 24.2 32
16-30 tons/ha 75.8 68
plants (30.7% in Mulanje and 48.0% in Nkhatabay) as BBTD severity
the top strategies for improved BBTD management. Mild 50.6 42
Severe 40.6 34
None 8.8 24
Table 4. Challenges faced by farmers in banana Impacts of BBTD
Low rate of income 100 76
production in Mulanje and Nkhatabay districts of Yield reduction 96.2 100
Malawi (% respondents). Lack of quality suckers 7.9 0
BBTD- Banana bunchy top
District disease, sample size- 76
Constraints to banana
Mulanje Nkhatabay
production
BBTD 100.0 100.0 Availability of alternative sources of BBTV-free
Lack of improved varieties 80.1 42.0 suckers and preferred banana varieties in Mulanje
Theft 61.5 32.0
Lack of knowledge in banana and Nkhatabay districts of Malawi
40.8 24.0
production Majority of the farmers in Mulanje (80.0%) reported
Unreliable markets 30.7 16.0
Poor soil fertility 15.3 8.0 that they had no alternative source of BBTV-free
Pests 7.7 8.0 suckers (Table 3.8). In Nkhatabay district, majority
BBTD- Banana bunchy top
disease, Sample size-76 (81.0%) reported to have an alternative source of
BBTV free suckers. Those who responded to have an
Banana bunchy top disease severity, yield reduction alternative source of BBTV free suckers in Nkhatabay,
and impact of banana bunchy top virus on banana majority (38.0%) indicated that they sourced the

production planting materials from research institutions. The

Majority of the farmers (80.6% in Mulanje and 80% most preferred banana varieties in Mulanje were

in Nkhatabay) reported yield reduction in banana Kabunthu (45.6%), Zanda (23.6%) and Sukali (14.0%)

after noticing BBTV symptoms (Table 3.7). Most whereas in Nkhatabay the most preferred banana
varieties were Williams (30.0%), Mpama (24.0%),
respondents in Mulanje (75.8%) and Nkhatabay
Zambia (24.0%) and Grandnaine (22.0%).
(60%) estimated loses of banana yield of 16- 30 tons
per ha due to BBTD.
Challenges faced by farmers in controlling banana
bunchy top disease in Mulanje and Nkhatabay
The BBTD severity was considered mild (50.6% in
districts of Malawi
Mulanje and 42.0% in Nkhatabay) and severe (40.6% The leading challenge in controlling BBTD for the
in Mulanje and 34.0% in Nkhatabay) by majority of interviewed farmers in Mulanje district was labour
the respondents. Few farmers (8.8% in Mulanje and intensiveness in uprooting and burning of the
24% in Nkhatabay) reported no infection in their infected plants (32.0%) followed by poor
orchards and mats. Most farmers listed low rate of management skills (28.6%) (Table 3.9). In
income (100% in Mulanje and 75% in Nkhatabay) and Nkhatabay, the leading challange was labour
yield reduction (96.2% in Mulanje and 100% in intensiveness (40%) followed by resistance by other
Nkhatabay) as the impacts of BBTD. farmers to uproot and burn infected plants (28%).

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Table 6. Availability of alternative sources of BBTV- agriculture sector comprise of women and youth yet
free suckers and preferred banana varieties in they are disadvantaged in multiple ways including
Mulanje and Nkhatabay districts of Malawi (% access to education, limited access to ownership and
respondents). control of finances and productive assets (Malawi
District National Agriculture Policy, 2016). The majority of
Mulanje Nkhatabay respondents (62.5%) were women in both districts.
Availability of alternative source
of BBTV-free banana suckers This shows that the banana production industry in
Available 20.0 81.0 the two districts is dominated by women. In a similar
Not available 80.0 19.0
Sources of BBTV-free planting study conducted in Thyolo district it was reported
materials that female farmers dominated banana production
Research institutions 0.0 38.0
Government extension workers 48.2 22.0 (Kumwenda, 2013). The results also agree with
Other farmers 30.2 35.0 Malawi population and housing census report that
Own source 21.6 5.0
Preferred banana varieties in stated that Malawi population is dominated by
Mulanje and Nkhatabay females (51%) (Malawi Population and Housing
Kabuthu 45.6 0.0
Kholobowa 6.3 0.0 Census, 2018). Kumwenda (2013) also reported that
Sukali 14.0 0.0 70% of the females were full-time farmers and
Zanda 23.6 0.0
Ngerezi 7.0 0.0 contributed about 71% of agricultural labour.
Kashunga 3.5 0.0
Mpama 0.0 24.0
Zambia 0.0 24.0 The study also revealed that banana (40.4%) was the
Grandnaine 0.0 22.0 dominant crop grown in the previous five years in
Williams 0.0 30.0
Mzeru 0.0 4.0 Mulanje and Nkhatabay districts. It was followed by
Mbingidola 0.0 2.0 maize (23.4%) and sweetpotato (12.6%). These results
Gweru 0.0 2.0
Tondiamu 0.0 2.0 show that banana is an important crop in both districts.
BBTV- Banana bunchy top virus, Gondwe and Banda (2002) reported that banana is
sample size =76
ranked among the six important crops in Malawi. The

Table 7. Challenges faced by farmers in controlling crop is used as a fruit as well as a source of income in the

banana bunchy top disease in Mulanje and Nkhatabay central and southern Malawi (Laisnez, 2005).

districts of Malawi (% respondents).

Crop production was the highest source of income
District
among the farmers of Mulanje and Nkhatabay
Mulanje Nkhatabay
followed by casual labor (15.4%) and small scale
Challenges in controlling BBTD businesses (4.9%). In previous studies, Kumwenda
Labour intensive to uproot and
32.0 40.0 (2013) reported that banana was the main source of
burn infected plants
Resistance by other farmers to income for farmers in Thyolo district. Thyolo district
20.4 28.0
uproot and burn infected plants
28.6 18.0 is among the banana growing districts in Malawi
Poor management skills
19.0 14.0 which includes Mulanje and Nkhatabay. Gondwe
Lack of improved varieties
BBTV- Banana bunchy top (2000) reported that 50% and 43% respectively of
disease, sample size =76 farmers’ income in Nkhatabay and Mulanje districts
came from banana. Therefore, any support to these
Discussion districts should consider up scaling banana
The survey revealed that majority (58%) of the production which can significantly increase income to
interviewed farmers attended primary school hence the smallholder farmers.
they were able to understand the issues related to
banana bunchy top disease. Respondents (14.5%) who Most of the interviewed farmers in Mulanje and
did not attend any formal education were all women. Nkhatabay districts did not follow the recommended
The majority of the Malawians employed in management practices.

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This might be one of the reasons why it is proving very as small sized bunches, and stunted growth. This
difficult to manage BBTD. This was proven by the fact shows that smallholder farmers can be able to identify
that 84.3% of the farmers reported that they did not an infected banana plant. This finding is similar to
grow their banana in an organized orchard. Hence in that by Kumwenda (2013) who found that 95% of
case of BBTD appearance in the field is it very difficult farmers in Thyolo district had knowledge of BBTD
to uproot the infected plants because the plants grow symptoms. Most smallholder farmers (77.63%) in the
into big mats. The study also showed that 36.5% of the two districts of Mulanje and Nkhatabay controlled the
farmers did not follow the recommended spacing of 3m disease by uprooting the infected plants. This shows
by 3m. Thus, there is little utilization of land or that farmers in the two districts recognize the
overcrowding of plants which results in low importance of banana in their daily livelihood. It was
production. It was also revealed that 66.6% of the also revealed that the farmers were aware of the
smallholder farmers did not apply fertilizer to their recommended control measures, suggesting the
bananas. Orissa Review (2007) reported that the effectiveness of extension system in the two districts.
current management practices of BBTD include
quarantine measures, eradication, biological measures Most smallholder farmers in the study sites were
and chemical control. These BBTD management aware on how the disease spread. Majority of the
practices cannot be effective where farmers are farmers (70.8%) were able to explain that the disease
practicing poor agronomic practices as revealed by the is spread by a vector (aphids). Knowledge of how the
survey. Plant nutrition plays a role in enhancing virus is spread may help to manage the disease.
natural resistance of crops (Armstrong, 1998). Lack of Improved information flow to farmers in banana
fertilizer application as revealed in the study might be production and disease management can help in
one of the factors accelerating the spread and adverse managing diseases and improving production (Beed
effects of BBTV. and Markham, 2008).

The study showed that BBTD was the biggest Majority of the interviewed farmers indicated that
challenge among the interviewed smallholder farmers BBTD had reduced the income in their households
in Mulanje and Nkhatabay districts (100%). due to low yields. Aïtchédji et al., 2010 reported that
Kumwenda (2012) also reported that BBTV was the banana is a source of income and food to most
biggest challenge to banana farmers in Thyolo households. The BBTV causes a significant decline in
district. The results are also in line with Ploetz (1998) banana yields. Studies indicate that BBTV can cause
who reported that BBTD is the most dangerous yield losses of over 60% (Muengula et al., 2014). The
disease of banana. The study revealed that majority of study revealed that banana production has reduced
the smallholder farmers in the districts of Mulanje dramatically following the spread of banana bunchy
and Nkhatabay were aware of the banana bunchy top top disease. Soko et al. (2012) reported that banana
disease. The farmers reported that they got the bunchy top disease reduced banana production from
information from government extension workers and 35t/ha to 8t/ha in Malawi. Therefore, there is need
fellow farmers. These results show that there is a good for agronomic strategies to control the banana
extension system in the two districts as the farmers bunchy top in order to save the industry.
are able to get information from extension workers as
well as fellow farmers. Masangano et al. (2012) The study also revealed that most smallholder farmers

reported that government extension services are the (64.5%) did not have alternative sources of clean

largest in terms of coverage to farmers in Malawi. planting materials other than sourcing from fellow
farmers. This shows that most farmers access planting
The results show that majority of the smallholder materials from fellow farmers which could also be
farmers were aware of the symptoms of the disease as infected. This system of sharing planting materials
they were able to mention some of the symptoms such among farmers could encourage spreading of the virus.

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 Int. J. Agron. Agri. R.

A report by FAO (2009) indicates that BBTV Most farmers in the two districts were aware of the
continues to spread across Malawi due to sharing of disease and its recommended control practices which
planting materials between farmers. Jooste (2013) include uprooting of the infected plants. The farmer’s
reported that most horticultural crops in Malawi such as perceived the recommended control measures to be
banana, potato, sweetpotato and pineapples are labour intensive.
propagated through vegetative planting materials and a
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