Abstract: The Black Coffee Twig Borer (BCTB) (Xylosandrus compactus) is a significant pest affecting coffee and cocoa in Uganda, exacerbated by bio-ecological factors and inadequate field and crop management. Its presence threatens coffee and cocoa production, necessitating comprehensive, sustainable mitigation efforts. This study, conducted in Bundibugyo District, aimed to assess BCTB incidence in selected host crops, evaluate farmer awareness of ecofriendly management practices, and
determine the effectiveness of these practices. A non-experimental, cross-sectional research design was used, involving 92 farmers from five randomly selected sub-counties. Data collection included questionnaires and observation checklists. The study revealed that all respondents had been affected by BCTB, with varying incidence rates: 29% reported 0.13–5 cases, while others reported higher incidences, up to 52 and above. Additionally, 81% of farmers were aware of ecofriendly practices, though 28% did not know how BCTB reached their farms. Farmers identified wind, birds, and human activity as contributors to pest spread. Ecofriendly management practices were reported effective by 72% of respondents. The study concluded that BCTB has significantly impacted farmers, reducing soil fertility and coffee quality. It recommended adopting modern, ecofriendly methods for pest and soil management to boost yields and reduce pest incidence. Further, the government, through agricultural agencies, should provide tools, equipment, and sensitization programs to support farmers in managing BCTB, given the importance of coffee and cocoa as major export earners for Uganda.

Abstract: Both Black Coffee Twig Borer (BCTB) and Coffee Wilt Disease (CWD) are widespread in Uganda’s coffee-growing regions, with national incidence rates of 68% for BCTB and 2.2% for CWD. The National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) introduced several management practices for both diseases. A study involving 136 coffee farmers in Kayunga District assessed the impact of NARO’s training on the adoption of these practices. Data analysis showed that 70% of the farmers used the management techniques for BCTB and CWD. Trained farmers had significantly higher adoption rates for most practices compared to untrained ones, particularly for BCTB management, except for chemical use. For CWD, trained farmers’ adoption was higher, excluding the practice of uprooting and burning infected plants. Knowledge of BCTB management was linked to factors like gender, age, experience, and training, while CWD knowledge depended primarily on training and experience. BCTB damage has decreased by 74% since 2016, attributed to improved farmer experience. Conversely, CWD incidence has risen by 150%, partly due to reinfection from neighboring unmanaged farms and the use of susceptible coffee seedlings. Effective management of BCTB and CWD requires a community-based approach to prevent spread. Additionally, the government should provide resistant coffee varieties at subsidized rates to help farmers combat CWD.