Preference for synthetic pesticides for fruit fly pest management over biological control interventions: fighting a losing battle?

Synthetic chemical pesticides are a common strategy for pest control. However, their use is often associated with environmental pollution, food safety concerns, global warming biodiversity loss. Biological control options including the use of natural enemies, semiochemicals, food attractants such as baits and repellents to control pest are a recommended option to substitute chemical pesticides. The biologicals could promote production of high value organic produce that is safe for consumption. It is therefore important to investigate the prevalence of biological and chemical pest management options, and the factors involved among resource constrained smallholder farmers.