Local Knowledge and Adaptive Strategies of Farmers to Deal with Spodoptera Frugiperda in Corn

Pengetahuan Lokal Dan Strategi Adaptif Petani Menghadapi Spodoptera Frugiperda Pada Jagung

Abstract

Spodoptera frugiperda (FAW) is the main threat to the early vegetative phase of corn in North Gorontalo. This research aims to develop a typology of adaptive strategies based on local knowledge, serving as the foundation for contextual and affordable PHT recommendations. The qualitative approach is employed through a combination of focused ethnography, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), and Grounded Theory analysis. Data were collected in three sub-districts (Kwandang, Gentuma Raya, Atinggola) through 28 in-depth interviews, 7 FGDs, 5 PRA sessions, and 9 farm-walks with purposive snowball sampling. The results indicate the presence of a "practical threshold" used by farmers: checking 20 random plants/beds every 5–7 days and acting if ≥5 plants are symptomatic or damaged yields a score of 3–4. Thematic coding resulted in three adaptive strategies: preventive (simultaneous planting, garden cleanliness, intercrops/cover crops), reactive (ash/sand shoots treatment, selective spray), and integrative (simple monitoring → plant treatment → measurable spray with MOA rotation). The ranking matrix places simultaneous planting, observation-based spraying, and simple monitoring as the most effective strategies according to farmers. The main obstacles include the simultaneous planting, limited scouting personnel, high cash costs, and a lack of affordable monitoring equipment. The drivers are group leadership, regular meetings, and small demonstration plots. The research resulted in a 6-step protocol that was agreed upon at the group/overlay level and was well-received because it was simple. The findings emphasized the need to strengthen monitoring, simultaneous planting coordination, and information curation (WA kiosk extensions) so that adaptive practices develop into collective habits.