Fighting the fall armyworm through collective action

Abstract

The Fall Armyworm (FAW; Spodoptera frugiperda), a highly destructive insect-pest indigenous to the Americas, has been reported in Africa since January 2016. FAW is capable of attacking more than 80 different plant species, but has major preference for maize, an important staple food in sub-Saharan Africa on which more than 200 million people depend. In July 2018, the insect pest was found in India for the first time. Without appropriate action, the pest is projected to cause billions of dollars of maize crop losses in Africa, affecting the food security and incomes of millions of smallholders.