Insect infestations

An insect infestation is a recently detected insect pest population, including an incursion, or a sudden significant increase of an established insect, disease agents, or weed population in an area, leading to damage to plants in production fields, forests, or natural habitats and causing substantial damage to productivity, biodiversity, or natural resources.

Women farmers produce less than their male counterparts because of limited access to resources to prevent insect infestation, including information and agricultural extension services. They have less access to or ownership of land and use fewer inputs.