Impact of Awareness Campaigns for Banana Bacterial Wilt Control in Uganda

A study was conducted in central Uganda to determine the impact of awareness campaigns raised through participatory development communication (PDC). Results showed that the majority of farmers were aware of key BBW symptoms, the modes of disease spread and the recommended control measures. The high level of awareness was attributed to the communication approach (PDC) employed. The control measures most commonly employed were removal of the male buds and cutting down affected plants. Most removed male buds using a forked stick though quite many were using knives as opposed to the recommended practice of using a forked stick. Farmers who practiced full packages of control measures reported lasting prevention or complete eradication of the disease from their farms.