According to Shahid Hussain
FAW represents a real threat to food security and livelihoods of millions of farmers. FAW is a resident pest and once it has arrived in a country, it is there to stay.
The fall armyworm is a lepidopteran pest that feeds in large numbers on leaves and stems of more than 80 plant species, causing major damage to maize, rice, sorghum, sugarcane but also other vegetable crops and cotton.
Fall armyworm is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. In 2016 it was reported for the first time in Africa, where it is causing significant damage to maize crops and has great potential for further spread and economic damage.
Farmers need significant support to manage FAW sustainably in their cropping systems through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) activities.
