Awareness on Phytosanitary Measures for Pest Control in Timber Processing and Handling

Phytosanitary measures are management techniques used to prevent unintentional movement of insect pests during timber processing and handling. In this study, the level of awareness on phytosanitary measures used for insect pest control during timber harvesting and post harvesting operations were assessed in Osun, Oyo and Lagos states in Nigeria. Questionnaires (331) were administered to plank marketers, saw mill workers, plant quarantine service workers, forestry officials and tree loggers in the three states. Information on knowledge about phytosanitary measures, pest control and perceptions towards pest infestation was elicited. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi square, and logit regression analysis. The respondents (80.0%) noticed pest infestation in their timber/planks before selling and 93.3% claimed that there were no regulatory bodies in charge of pest management in the forestry sector. The plank marketers used chemical (34.2%) and biological treatments (0.8%) for pest control while saw mill workers used chemical method (42.3%) and painting (4.9%). Logit regression analysis showed that awareness on phytosanitary measures had a positive impact on the willingness of the respondents to adopt the use of phytosanitary measures with an odd ratio of 13.50. Insect pest infestation resulted in reduced income and poor quality timber products. There is, therefore, a need for concerted efforts to generate interest in insect pest control using phytosanitary measures.