Abstract

The level to which farmers utilize Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as an eco-friendly agricultural technology in Duhok Governorate, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, is evaluated in this research. The research further examines the socio-economic reasons behind its application. integrating bio-logical, cultural, mechanical, and chemical control practices is key to sustainable farming and environment-al health. data were collected from 266 farmers in 28 villages of seven districts with the help of an eight-dimension standardized questionnaire. The results showed that just 22.56% of the farmers applied IPM at a high level, while 59.02% applied IPM at a moderate level and 18.42% applied IPM at a minimal level. Statistical analysis revealed that there were significant positive cor-relations between applica-tion of IPM and factors such as age, education, land owner-ship, area under cultivation, mode of farming, and crop type. However, characteristics like training participation, practice of irriga-tion, and farm family size engaged in farming did not significantly influence, reflecting gaps in continuous extension work.

The study identified significant impediments constraining IPM application. They are a lack of government loans, high initial price of technology, lack of adequate availability of professional training, inadequacy in the availability of pro-environmental agricultural technology, low availability of experts, and lack of effective facilitation of technology transfer by government. These impediments reflect economic and institutional constraints that dis-courage peasants from applyinh more sustainable practices. Research under-scores the urgent need for contextual policies, funding support, and enhanced extension services grounded in the actuality of the local farming communities. Promoting farmer-centered training, diminishing the price of technology, and investment in expert support represent important steps to enhance IPM application, promote environmental sustain-ability, and enhance food security in the region.