What is the view of the black coffee twig borer (Xylosandrus compactus (Eichhoff)) among farmers, advisers and experts, and is the infestation on robusta coffee trees (Coffea canephora) higher or lower when grown close to a Ficus natalensis?

Abstract: The coffee industry in Uganda employs over 3.5 million families, and the exportation of coffee generates about 20 % of the foreign exchange earnings. Over the course of the past two decades a pest called the Black Coffee Twig Borer, Xylosandrus compactus (Eichhoff), has invaded the coffee plots. Since this pest attacks economically important plants it can cause serious damage to the farmers’ and Uganda’s economy. This study focuses on comparing the knowledge about this pest, and how the information is transferred amongst three important groups in coffee production: coffee farmers, advisers and experts from different organizations and institutes. Furthermore, I specifically investigated the relationship between X. compactus and a tree often promoted to be intercropped with coffee: the Natal fig (Ficus natalensis). The results were derived from conducting interviews and a field survey of X. compactus attack rates. The field data was collected in Kalungu and Bukomansimbi district and the interviews were conducted in the same districts, as well as in Mukono and Kampala. The views differed amongst the three groups. The farmers reported greater yield losses than the advisers estimated. Furthermore, the symptoms of the pest did not seem to be completely understood amongst the farmers showing that more information is needed. Despite being the main source of information concerning this pest for the farmers, the agricultural/production officers sometimes gave contradictory advice. Therefore a more thorough education for the officers is needed. The most common method to control X. compactus was phytosanitary (cutting off affected twigs and burning them). Ficus natalensis was perceived as a host tree for the pest by at least one in each of the three groups. The field data showed a significantly greater infestation degree when there were more than one F. natalensis within a five meter radius of the coffee tree. Hence, planting F. natalensis close to coffee should not be advised. To control the pest one could use an IPM approach, which reduces the use of chemical control, and instead uses methods which minimizes the effect on the ecosystem. Ways forward could include i.e. favoring natural enemies and intercropping with, repellent trees or non-host trees. This study could give a holistic picture of the impact of X. compactus and prevent farmers from planting potential host trees among the coffee.