Fall Armyworm (FAW), or Spodoptera frugiperda, is an insect pest which can cause significant crop yield losses if not properly managed. It is indigenous to the American tropical and subtropical regions, but was recently introduced into Africa and has spread rapidly, posing a threat to food security. Once introduced into an area, the pest is nearly impossible to eradicate due to a number of reasons.

For example, while FAW favors maize, its larvae are able to feed on more than 80 plant species that allow it to survive on alternate hosts when maize is not in season. FAW multiplies rapidly throughout the maize growing season, but during the off season (dry season), FAW’s spread is limited because its favored host is unavailable. However, damage can still occur because FAW may feed on irrigated maize or alternate crops during this time. FAW has been concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa, but the pest is likely encroaching into North Africa. Countries need to monitor and prepare prevention and management strategies to maintain control.

With its partners, the U.N Food and Agriculture Organization  (FAO) has developed a Framework for Partnership to guide project development and implementation and coordinate the responses of the various stakeholders along well-defined focus areas. FAO has also developed a five-year Program for Action that is composed of six components: management of FAW, short-term research priorities, communications and training, monitoring and early warning, policy and regulatory support, and coordination.

Read the full article about the fall armyworm by Mona Chaya at Food Tank.