Gender Analysis of Uptake of Trichogramma chilonis to Control Helicoverpa armigera on Tomato Crops in Pakistan

The production of tomato in Pakistan is affected by Helicoverpa armigera, which causes significant crop loss. Farmers mostly use insecticides to control the pest, but an excessive and indiscriminate use of these products has resulted in environmental and health hazards. Trichogramma is promoted as an alternative bio-control method. This study aimed to look at gender-related barriers against the uptake of Trichogramma by farmers in the Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces of Pakistan. Key-informant interviews were conducted with the researchers and agricultural extension staff involved in the dissemination of this technology. In-depth interviews and focus-group discussions were carried out with female and male farmers using Trichogramma and with non-using farmers. Results showed that communicating directly with women about the bio-control method helped to improve uptake by farming households. The reduced health risks of the bio-control method was important for female farmers, while male farmers were more concerned about the effectiveness of the bio-control method compared with pesticides. Using Trichogramma helped to reduce the time and labour spent by men on pest management and improved their yield and income. However, it increased the demand on women’s time and labour while their decision-making roles regarding the income from tomato production remained low. A lack of information, training, and reliable supply were the main reasons non-using farmers had for not using Trichogramma.