Assessment of Awareness and Understanding of Yellow Sugarcane Aphid (Sipha Flava) Control Strategies Among Land-Reform Farmers in Ilembe District Municipality of KwaZulu-Natal Province

Abstract

The damage from the yellow sugarcane aphid (YSA), Sipha flava (Forbes) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), has increased in recent years, making it challenging to produce sugarcane sustainably. This study aimed to assess the understanding of YSA and its control strategies, examine the level of YSA knowledge, and evaluate how land-reform farmers manage YSA. The study interviewed 41 land-reform farmers who were sampled, accounting for 72% of the entire population. Simple random sampling was employed to obtain a representative sample of farmers, and face-to-face interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS, Pearson chi-square tests and binary logistic regression. The findings revealed no statistically significant associations between the farm size, land ownership or training, and YSA control adoption. YSA was recognised as the main seasonal pest (82.9%), mainly found on the underside of the leaf (92.1%). Farmers reported minor infestations during winter (86.5%), and peak infestations in spring and summer. Acetamiprid (53.1%) was the common pesticide. The study recommends using digital tools, workshops, and community demonstration plots to enhance the reach of current YSA control strategies to farmers.