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This study quantified crop losses and economic impacts associated with papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus) infestation in Kenya and identified the most important predictors of papaya tree (Carica papaya L.) yield losses through a household survey of 404 farmers. At least 95% male and 88% female respondents correctly identified papaya mealybug. Papaya was the most affected crop by the pest, with 73% of the respondents indicating that a major part (>60%) of their trees was affected. The estimated papaya yield losses due to papaya mealybug were 57%, with an associated annual economic loss of US$3,009 per ha at the farm level and US$29.8 million at the national level. Regression analysis showed significant yield-reducing effects with high infestation levels of papaya mealybug, use of local varieties, and use of indigenous pest control practices. Economic losses differed significantly by county, with the highest losses reported in Mombasa. Male farmers reported higher losses than their female counterparts. Findings highlight the need for location and gender-specific information on pest management for effectiveness in controlling papaya mealybug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smallholder farmers represent the majority of food producers around the world, yet they are often the most at risk of suffering yield gaps and not achieving their production potential. Ecological Intensification (EI) is a knowledge intensive approach to sustainable agricultural intensification which utilizes biodiversity‐based ecosystem services to support greater yield and reduce reliance on agrochemical inputs. Despite the potential benefit of EI based practices, uptake by smallholders is not as widespread as it could be. Here we test the hypothesis that application of EI on smallholder farms in Kenya is a viable approach that could be taken in order to enhance food security. Focusing on natural pest control and crop pollination, we used farmer surveys to explore the potential for EI in central Kenya. We identified to what extent farm typology and access to knowledge determine the incentives and barriers facing smallholder producers and how this influences optimal pathways for sharing knowledge and providing extension services. We found considerable potential for EI of smallholder farms in this region; most farmers grew insect pollinated crops and some farmers already employed EI practices, while others relied heavily on chemical pesticides. Based on physical, social, and economic factors, three farm typologies emerged including "semi‐commercial," "market orientated," and "subsistence." These typologies influenced the appropriate EI practices available to farmers, as well as routes through which knowledge was shared, and the extent to which extension services were utilized. We propose that to support effective uptake of EI practices, smallholder farm heterogeneity should be acknowledged and characterized in order to target the needs and capabilities of farmers and identify appropriate knowledge sharing and support pathways. The approach we take here has the potential to be employed in other regions globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]