Determinants of Bagworms Control Practices and Smallholders’ Management Towards Oil Palm Plantations

Abstract

The use of pesticides on palm oil disease such as bagworms in Malaysia by smallholders' dates to several decades. However, little research has been conducted to capture farmers' perception on pest management on palm oil. This study aims to identify the determinants of bagworm control and management of palm oil plantations in Malaysia. Key informant and focus group interviews complemented with quantitative one-on-one structured interviews of 90 farm households and observational assessments were employed. The respondents were selected from Kampar, Perak and Mempaga, Pahang. The data was analyzed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) to further investigate the determinants influencing the bagworm control and pest management practices. More than 70 percent of the respondents acknowledged that pest management control is important and the effect on the quarantine is significant. It is critical for the smallholders in terms of the knowledge on bagworm control. Five determinants discovered namely Factor 1 "General operation management, Factor 2 "Authority and peer influence", Factor 3 "Legal awareness", Factor 4 "Profit concern", and Factor 5 "Pesticide awareness". Successful intensification and diversification of organic and chemical pesticides will require increasing awareness on safer production methods, long-term harmful effects of pesticide misuse, and strengthening the capacity of regulatory agencies responsible for preventing importation of banned pesticides, alongside promoting research and investment in sustainable alternatives such as integrated pest management, biological control, and agroecological practice.