Pesticides are now widely used to manage the recent outbreak of crop pests such as fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda, FAW) and Phthorimaea absoluta (syn. Tuta absoluta). However, reports on farmers’ pesticide use practices are often insufficient. Hence, this study aimed to assess how maize and tomato farmers’ use of pesticides aligns with plant doctor recommendations. We collected data from 600 randomly selected maize and tomato farmers (clinic users and non-clinic users) using a pre-tested structured questionnaire and key informant interviews with plant doctors and extension officers.
Results suggest farmer practices matched plant doctor recommendations in over 80% of clinic users' cases. However, there were significant differences in recommended pesticide use and actual practices between plant clinic users and non-plant clinic users. Although plant clinic users were significantly more likely to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while working with pesticides, we observed inadequate PPE use among most farmers.