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Gender Dynamics in Crop Pest & Disease
Management:
Case Studies
Understanding the gender roles and dynamics of farming households in managing plant pests and diseases like the mango fruit fly, banana fusarium wilt, and fall armyworm in Southeast Asia
Fall Armyworm and Maize
Duration:
This research project explored the gender dynamics in maize farming and fall armyworm management in Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Household surveys and focus group discussions with men and women maize farmers identified key roles of women and men farmers in maize production activities, knowledge and awareness of FAW management, and involvement in farm decision-making and training.
Research Team
CAMBODIA
Plant Protection Technology Research Development and Pest Diagnostic Office
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Oeurn Samoul
ASEAN FAW Action Plan Secretariat
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Dr. Alison Watson
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Leandra Fernandes
INDONESIA
Universitas Gadjah Mada
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Dr. Y. Andi Trisyono
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Ratna Rubiana
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Valentina E. F. Aryuwandari
ASEAN FAW Action Plan Secretariat
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Dr. Alison Watson
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Leandra Fernandes
LAO PDR
Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
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Khonesavanh Chittarath
ASEAN FAW Action Plan Secretariat
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Dr. Alison Watson
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Leandra Fernandes
PHILIPPINES
National Crop Protection Center / University of the Philippines, Los Baños
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Dr. Barbara L. Caoili,
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Catherine E. Lee-Pascual
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Maureen Ceres dL. de Roxas
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Sarah Jane B. Manaday
ASEAN FAW Action Plan Secretariat
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Dr. Alison Watson
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Leandra Fernandes
VIETNAM
Vietnam National University of Agriculture
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Dr. Tran Thi Thu Phuong
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
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Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan
ASEAN FAW Action Plan Secretariat
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Dr. Alison Watson
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Leandra Fernandes
Research Locations
CAMBODIA
Provinces of Tboung Khmum & Kandal
INDONESIA
Grobogan, Central Java & South Lampung, Lampung
LAO PDR
Vientiane City, Provinces of Vientiane, Xiengkhoung & Sainyabouri
PHILIPPINES
Provinces of Isabela & Quezon
VIETNAM
Provinces of Phutho, Sonla & Daklak
Research Participants
CAMBODIA
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Household survey: 60 Farmers
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FGD: 28 Farmers
INDONESIA
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Household survey: 60 Farmers
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FGD: 42 Farmers
LAO PDR
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Household survey: 194 Farmers
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FGD: 140 Farmers
PHILIPPINES
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Household survey: 64 Farmers
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FGD: 30 Farmers
VIETNAM
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Household survey: 90 Farmers
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FGD: 66 Farmers
Highlights
CAMBODIA
In Cambodia, women are primarily responsible for managing household finances and applying for loans, although loan decisions are typically joint. Men are regarded as the main farm managers. More women were reported to be the main household managers in Tboung Khmum compared to Kandal province. While both men and women agreed that women were mostly involved in selling, overall, men's perceptions of women's involvement in different activities in maize production and FAW management were lower compared to women’s. Women dominate discussions on household expenses, savings, and accessing loans, and perceive their involvement in maize production discussion activities, such as determining quantity and price for selling, to be higher than men's perceptions. However, men often make final decisions on harvesting, tillage methods, and maize pricing. Men mainly attend agricultural training and interact with experts, though women participate when possible, especially female heads of households. In Tboung Khmum, women also receive information through social media due to access to smartphones with internet in this area pesticide use is common across both districts, with women in Tboung Khmum being more involved in pesticide-related tasks like purchasing, preparing, and applying pesticides compared to Kandal province.
INDONESIA
In Central Java and Lampung, women primarily managed household finances, while men were seen as the main decision-makers for farm-related financial decisions, including pest management. Women played significant roles in maize production, engaging in all stages of the process, but tasks requiring more physical strength were often handled by men. Despite being involved in discussions on pesticide use in both districts, the final decisions on purchase of pesticides were usually made by men. However, women were active in FAW monitoring and were observed to be more vigilant and diligent than men.Men had greater access to training and agricultural information, mainly through extension officers, peer farmers, and formal networks, while women, especially in Central Java, were less likely to attend such events due to household responsibilities. This disparity in access to knowledge contributed to men being more aware of biological control and the use of resistant maize varieties than women. Perceptions of gender roles differed, with women perceiving their involvement in maize production and decision-making as higher than men recognized. Both men and women agreed that women were more involved in household management and had better skills in managing household expenses. Overall, across the two sites selected in Indonesia, women’s involvement in maize farming and pest management was notable, though under-recognized by men.
LAO PDR
In Laos differences were observed across ethnic groups and between rural and urban areas. In the rural areas of Nonghet district, comprising the Hmong ethnic group, men primarily handled household finances due to higher confidence and education levels. In contrast, women from other selected sites such as rural Phoukout and Kham (semi-urban) of Xiengkhouang province; Vientiane capital (urban), Vientiane Province and Sainyabouri (semi-urban) primarily manage household finances, including savings and household expenses. While men generally make final decisions on farm finances across all selected sites, in Vientiane Capital (urban), these decisions are often shared between men and women. Both genders participate equally in maize production activities, such as choosing crop commodities, purchasing/selecting improved maize varieties, planting seeds, harvesting, post-harvesting and selling with women dominating the task of selling. In terms of Fall Armyworm (FAW) management women are involved in monitoring/scouting and removal and burning of infected plants while men dominate the tasks of using pesticides, specifically herbicides. Men in rural areas rely on peer farmers, input suppliers, and local extension workers for maize production and FAW information, while women prefer extension workers and suppliers. In urban areas, both genders favour peers and input suppliers for information. Farmers (both men and women) prefer using herbicides in rural areas, while in urban areas of Vientiane capital, they prefer using pesticides. In urban areas of Vientiane capital, men farmers relied more on formal sources of information on chemical use such as pesticide sellers while women farmers relied on friends and neighbours similar to Sainyabouri province. Women in Vientiane province relied more on formal sources of information such as pesticide sellers and local agricultural extension officers compared to men who mostly relied on informal sources such as friends/neighbours.
PHILIPPINES
Highlights will be posted here soon.
VIETNAM
In Daklak and Phutho, 63% and 48% of households are managed by women, and in Sonla, only 23%. Women in Daklak take on significant roles in maize farming, selling products, and managing household finances. In Sonla, where dairy farming is prevalent, men manage both the household and farm, with women playing supporting roles.Women across the three selected sites are involved in financial decision-making, particularly in household expenses, while men manage larger investments and farm-related finances.In maize production and FAW management, women and men have equal access to knowledge, but women in Phutho, due to better access to training, are more involved in land preparation, crop selection, and pest management. Women in Phutho are also more involved in scouting, using pesticides, and using traps compared to those in Daklak and Sonla, as they participated in a FAW and IPM project from 2019 to 2022. In Daklak, women were better at identifying the FAW and women in Phutho reported having more knowledge of biocontrol compared to men. Overall, in Daklak and Phutho, women reported having the same or greater knowledge of pest and disease management as men, particularly in Phutho, where women were more active in FAW management due to better training access.
Links to the project summaries will be available here soon.
Fruit Flies in Mango
Duration:
This research project explored the gender dynamics in mango farming and focused on understanding pest and disease management practices in some areas of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Household surveys and focus group discussions with men and women mango farmers identified key roles of women and men farmers in mango production activities, knowledge and awareness of fruit fly management, and involvement in farm decision-making and training.
Research Team
INDONESIA
INDONESIA
National Research and Innovation Agency
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Dr. Ir. Handewi Purwati Saliem
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Dr. Maesti Mardiharini
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Dr. Apri Laila Sayekti
Ministry of Agriculture
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Rizghina Ikhwan
ASEAN FAW Action Plan Secretariat
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Dr. Alison Watson
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Grazelle Marren Bonacua
Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
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Stefano G. De Faveri
PHILIPPINES
PHILIPPINES
University of the Philippines Mindanao
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Dr. Emma Ruth V. Bayogan
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Michael Angela J. Urquiola
University of the Philippines Los Baños
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Dr. Celia D. Medina
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Dr. Jena Joy D. Apolinario,
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Rex Joseph D. Enabore
Provincial Agriculturist Office of Davao del Norte
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Dr. Juliet Cristina M. Zambrano
ASEAN FAW Action Plan Secretariat
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Dr. Alison Watson
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Grazelle Marren Bonacua
Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
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Stefano G. De Faveri
VIETNAM
VIETNAM
Can Tho University
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Dr. Nguyen Anh Minh
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Dr. Trinh Thi Xuan
ASEAN FAW Action Plan Secretariat
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Dr. Alison Watson
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Grazelle Marren Bonacua
Research Locations
INDONESIA
INDONESIA
Indramayu, Cirebon & Majalengka Districts in West Java Province
PHILIPPINES
PHILIPPINES
Samal and Talikud Islands
Davao del Norte Province
VIETNAM
VIETNAM
Dong Thap and Tra Vinh Provinces Mekong Delta Region
Research Participants
INDONESIA
INDONESIA
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Household survey: 95 Farmers
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FGD: 52 Farmers
PHILIPPINES
PHILIPPINES
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Household survey: 100 Farmers
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FGD: 48 Farmers
VIETNAM
VIETNAM
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Household survey: 90 Farmers
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FGD: 72 Farmers
Highlights
INDONESIA
Men primarily handle most tasks in mango production and fruit fly management. Women are mostly involved in harvesting, sorting, and post-harvest processes, though their roles vary by region, with some contributing to fruit bagging and monitoring. Of the 74% of farmers who attended trainings, 82% were men. Women's limited access to formal training may explain why they rely more on social networks for information, while men interact more with extension workers. Farmers are highly dependent on chemical pesticides with men applying the major role in purchase and application. Women are involved particularly in washing clothes contaminated with chemical pesticides and in some cases in the disposal of pesticide containers. There are opportunities for women to actively encourage more sustainable practices such as reducing unnecessary pesticide use and supporting good agricultural practices.
PHILIPPINES
Men in Talikud participate slightly more in fruit fly management activities than those in Samal. At the same time, women in Samal are more actively involved in monitoring, using traps, and fruit disposal than women in Talikud, but their involvement is still lower than men in general. Increased involvement of women in Samal may stem from women's exposure to training and community group participation. Most men (93%) and women (89%) respondents across both islands use chemical pesticides. Men dominate decision-making in pesticide application, crop management, and farm-related financial allocation, while women's involvement is more pronounced in household duties and financial decisions. Notably, women in Samal are more actively involved in farm activities than in Talikud.
VIETNAM
Women play a vital role in mango production, particularly in weeding, disposing of fallen fruit and rejects, harvesting, and applying pesticides. Although their involvement in pesticide application and pest monitoring, is currently limited, some women are actively engaged in these areas, especially in decision-making. However, only around 10% of women have received formal pest management training, compared to 47% of men farmers - highlighting a significant training gap. This may explain why 71% of women respondents believe men are more knowledgeable about pest management. Women's significant contributions to household duties also impact their ability to engage more fully in IPM activities.
Links to the project summaries will be available here soon.
Banana and Fusarium Wilt
Duration:
This research project explored gender dynamics in banana farming and the management of Fusarium wilt disease in areas of Indonesia, Lao PDR, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Household surveys and focus group discussions with men and women banana farmers identified key roles of women and men farmers in banana production activities, knowledge and awareness of Fusarium wilt management, and involvement in farm decision-making and training.
Research Team
INDONESIA
University of Gadjah Mada
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Diah Fitria Widhiningsih
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Dr. Alia Bihrajihant Raya
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Dr. Siwi Indarti
National Research and Innovation Agency
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Riska Amril
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Tri Budiyanti
Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
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Dr. Tony Pattison
ASEAN FAW Action Plan Secretariat
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Dr. Alison Watson
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Grazelle Marren Bonacua
LAO PDR
Horticulture Research Centre, National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute
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Bounpheng Sihomchanh
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Dong Bouphaphan
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Chansamone Sisouvong
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Nouphone Khamsomphou
Plant Protection Center, Department of Agriculture
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Pinkham Vongphachanh
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Sonehuk Thongmyzai
Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
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Dr. Tony Pattison
ASEAN FAW Action Plan Secretariat
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Dr. Alison Watson
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Grazelle Marren Bonacua
PHILIPPINES
Provincial Agriculturist’s Office, Provincial Government of Davao del Norte
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Dr. Juliet Cristina M. Zambrano
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Irish C. Manalo
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Ileisa Jean C. Betacura
Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
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Dr. Tony Pattison
ASEAN FAW Action Plan Secretariat
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Dr. Alison Watson
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Grazelle Marren Bonacua
VIETNAM
Plant Protection Research Institute
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Dr. Le Xuan Vi
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Kim Thi Hien
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Nguyen Tien Dung
ASEAN FAW Action Plan Secretariat
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Dr. Alison Watson
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Grazelle Marren Bonacua
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Dr. Nguyen Anh Minh
Research Locations
INDONESIA
Sleman, Bantul, Gunungkidul
Regencies, Special Region of Yogyakarta
LAO PDR
Saravan and Sekong Provinces, in the southern region
PHILIPPINES
Municipalities of Asuncion & Braulio Dujali,
Panabo & Tagum Cities,
Davao del Norte Province
VIETNAM
Vinhtuong & Yenlac Districts
Vinhphuc Province
Research Participants
INDONESIA
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Household survey: 106 Farmers
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FGD: 40 Farmers
LAO PDR
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Household survey: 113 Farmers
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FGD: 103 Farmers
PHILIPPINES
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Household survey: 125 Farmers
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FGD: 42 Farmers
VIETNAM
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Household survey: 60 Farmers
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FGD: 42 Farmers
Highlights
INDONESIA
Women in Bantul (lowland) spend more time in agricultural activities than in Gunungkidul (highland), where non-farm work is more common, and men spend less time on housework. Women in both regions, are deeply involved in post-harvest activities, showcasing creativity in food processing, like making banana stem chips. While men often dominate decision-making in areas such as planting and pesticide use, women play a crucial role in weeding and pest management decisions, often favouring organic methods. However, disparities in training access and recognition of women's abilities persist, especially in Gunungkidul, where perceptions of women's farming competence is a challenge.
LAO PDR
Women in Saravan and Sekong play a key role in pest management discussions and farm decision-making, despite men often making the final decisions. Both women and men actively participate in essential farming tasks such as weeding, harvesting, and planting, with minimal gender differences in less common activities like applying fertilisers, planting cover crops, washing and disinfecting tools, and choosing different cultivars. For managing Fusarium wilt, both genders rely heavily on information from peers and pesticide sellers, with less input sought from agricultural extension officers or local organisations. While many farmers recognise Fusarium wilt symptoms, there remains a significant knowledge gap in effective disease management. Eradication of infected plants and crop rotation are the primary management practices.
PHILIPPINES
Women play key roles in essential agricultural activities across four locations, with significant involvement in weeding, applying fertilizers, planting new banana plants, and removing infected plants, sometimes using chemical pesticides. Some farmers opt for cheaper alternatives like formalin for tool disinfection, while others use herbicides like glyphosate to eradicate infected plants. Despite efforts, some attempted to control fusarium wilt with fungicides, only to find them ineffective after investing resources. While men believe that they have more prominent role in pest and disease management and decisions on varieties, women are actively involved in critical decisions like farm financing. Interestingly, women often rely more on input suppliers for TR4 and pest management information than men, followed by agricultural extension workers. However, women have limited access to training, often due to household duties.
VIETNAM
Women play a significant role in banana production and management, particularly in decision-making and hands-on tasks, though they are less involved in pesticide application. In Vinhtuong, women’s participation is notably higher than in Yenlac in post-harvest activities, harvesting, selecting cultivars, and waste disposal, while men in Yenlac are more involved in planting, applying pesticides and fertilisers, and weeding. Training opportunities also differ by location, with Vinhtuong showing a lack of access for both genders. Limited access to smartphones and internet connectivity further hinders women’s engagement with modern agricultural practices. Men reported using social media and government information sites, particularly in Yenlac.
Links to the project summaries will be available here soon.
Acknowledgements:
We greatly appreciate the support of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research for this programme of work.
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