If agro-ecological systems are to realize their potential as sustainable alternatives to conventional agricultural systems, innovation diffusion needs to be enhanced. We conducted surveys among 214 small-scale vegetable farmers in Benin, a food-deficit country in West Africa, on how they perceived the different attributes of eco-friendly nets (EFNs). The nets act as physical barriers against insects in vegetable production and so reduce pesticide use. Understanding farmer perceptions about new technologies helps reveal farmers’ propensity to adopt them. Intensity of attitude was measured on a Likert scale, and an ordered probit model was used to determine which characteristics of nets were most influential. Eighteen percent of farmers thought that EFNs would benefit them, but almost half preferred not to adopt this technology at all. The main reason for rejecting the nets was the perceived high labor requirement, particularly on larger plots of land. This largely negative perception was strongest among farmers with large areas cultivated with vegetables, farmers who had little or no experience in a trial, and those living far from extension services. We recommend expanded trials that engage a higher proportion of farmers, strengthening of external support for those wanting to use the nets and further technological development to reduce labor costs, improved access to finance and increased education about the negative impacts of insecticides abuse.

In Africa, synthetic pesticide applications are overly frequent and above labelled rates. We assessed the efficacy of an insect net physical control system on field cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) production in France and Benin. Various mesh sizes and netting removal frequencies were compared under contrasting climatic conditions. Studies under Mediterranean climatic conditions (spring season) compared two mesh sizes (0.73 mm and 1.6 mm). Studies under subequatorial climatic conditions (cool and hot seasons) tested nets of mesh size 0.4 mm and 0.9 mm used either as permanent cover, removed daily, or 3days per week. The results showed that a fine mesh did not improve the netting efficacy against pests but had a major impact on the microclimate. In Mediterranean climatic conditions, the netting efficacy and beneficial microclimate improved crop yields. In subequatorial conditions, crop yields were lowest with permanent net protection due to high temperatures under the nets and poor aphid and Spodoptera littoralis control. Removing the nets 3days per week was a good technical/economic trade-off, ensuring acceptable efficacy with minimal effects on the microclimate.