Farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices for rodent management in Myanmar

Abstract

A survey of 350 farmers was conducted in the lowland rainfed agricultural system of central Myanmar (Burma) to examine the importance of rodents, farmers' perception of the causes of yield loss, and their beliefs as to why they undertake rodent management. Farmers grew monsoon rice, summer rice and mungbeans with the major constraints upon production identified as pests (29.4% of respondents), followed by insufficient water (19.4%). The main pests were insects (48.6%), followed by rats (40.9%); however, farmers thought that rats caused most damage to their crops (47.7% of respondents; insects 30.3%), and were the most important pest to control. Farmers estimated that rodents caused 13% yield loss. Most farmers believed they could increase yields if they were to work together to control rats, but 61.1% applied rodent control individually. Most farmers (81%) thought that rodenticides were not safe despite 33% using them. Rodents were clearly identified as a significant problem by farmers. With an understanding of the main rodent pest species, ecology and crop damage, ecologically based management strategies for the lowland rainfed rice system in Myanmar can be developed.

Food preferences of the multi-mammate mouse,Mastomys natalensis, in irrigated rice habitats in Tanzania

“…Estimates of annual crop loss and post-harvest contamination by rodents in Africa suggest an extra 200 million people could be fed if such losses could be prevented (Meerburg, Singleton, & Leirs 2009). Farmers often view rodent losses as uncontrollable due to the frequent failure of management activities, particularly in developing countries, which lead to apathy, acquiescence and acceptance of rodent pests in the environment (Posamentier 1997;Singleton et al 1999;Mwanjabe et al 2002;Brown et al 2008). Rapid rodent population expansion caused by biotic and abiotic phenomena has repeatedly led to rodent outbreaks and total crop destruction in many parts of the world (Singleton et al 2010).…”

Evidence that rodent control strategies ought to be improved to enhance food security and reduce the risk of rodent-borne illnesses within subsistence farming villages in the plague-endemic West Nile region, Uganda

“…On a global scale, rodent damage to pre- and post-harvest crops has contributed substantially to malnourishment and reduced food security (Meerburg et al 2009). The damage caused by rodents gnawing on crops can lead to spoilage of stored crops, or structural damage to plants resulting in reduced yields (Elias 1988; Brown et al 2008). Furthermore, close contact between humans and rodents facilitates transmission of rodent-associated human pathogens.…”

Estimating rodent losses to stored rice as a means to assess efficacy of rodent management

“…At the household level where food is stored, several surveys have shown that rodents are considered a problem, chewing through clothes and blankets, disturbing sleep, biting people and contaminating food stores Garba et al 2013;Stuart et al 2011;Yonas et al 2010). Actions to manage rodents around households often involve keeping a domestic cat, or ad hoc poisoning or trapping (Brown et al 2008;Capizzi et al 2014). Although Langton et al (2001) reported that dwellings with pets had higher numbers of rats and mice in urban habitats in the UK.…”