Determinants of participation in pest management groups by smallholder cotton producers in Zimbabwe

Individual pest management is often associated with high costs due to pest drift and lack of economies of scale. This study is intended to determine the factors affecting the decision by farmers to join group pest management which harmonizes community decision making in controlling pests. Using a logit regression analysis, the following factors were found to have a positive impact on farmer proclivity to be part of a pest management group; area planted to cotton, expected pest density, frequency of contact with extension workers, and the difference in benefits between individual and group pest management. On the contrary, the cost of joining a pest management group was found to have a significant negative effect on farmer inclination to join pest management groups.   Key words: Pest management, logit model, Zimbabwe, group decisions.