Economic benefits of GAMOUR Agroecology in smallholder cucurbit production in Tanzania

Abstract

Introduction: Agroecological farming has emerged as a promising approach for managing crop pests, including the ‘true’ fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae), in cucurbit production. Cucurbits are important for both nutrition and income generation, making effective pest management critical to ensure sustainable yields and improved farmer livelihoods. Despite the growing promotion of agroecological practices as alternatives to synthetic pesticides, evidence on their economic benefits remains limited. Methods: This study was conducted in Morogoro Region, Tanzania, through field experiments, to compare the economic impacts of agroecological and conventional management practices in cucurbit crop production. Discussion: Results showed that management practices significantly (P < 0.05) influenced both marketable fruit weight and production costs. For squash, agroecological plots yielded significantly higher marketable fruit weights compared to conventional plots, while for watermelon and cucumber, yields were comparable across the two practices. Production costs were consistently higher under conventional management for all three cucurbit crops. Furthermore, the net profit and cost–benefit ratio were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in agroecological systems. Conclusion: The findings indicate that agroecological pest management presents significant economic benefits compared to conventional methods. This approach offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides in cucurbit production systems and agriculture. Significance of the study 1. What is already known on this subject? Crop cultivation based on agroecological principles can reduce production costs and provide long-term benefits to smallholder farmers. Although the application of agroecological farming practices in cucurbit production has been studied mainly in relation to insect control, the evidence on their economic benefits remains limited. 2. What are the new findings? Agroecological pest management presents significant economic benefits compared to conventional methods. This approach provides a sustainable and cost-effective alternative that reduces dependence on synthetic pesticides in cucurbit production and agricultural systems. 3. What is the expected impact on horticulture? This study provides an overview of the economic benefit and production costs associated with agroecological farming practices and recommends a way forward for a wider implementation of agroecological farming in small-scale cucurbit farmers towards sustainable farming systems for human and environmental wellbeing.