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unchecked.
Working towards effective FAW management
Efficient monitoring, early detection, and appropriate management strategies are crucial for mitigating
the impact of FAW infestations and protecting agricultural crops. To combat the menace of this
destructive pest, CIMMYT, with support from the United States Agency for International Development
(USAID), has been implementing research and extension on cultural control practices in Zimbabwe.
One such initiative is the “Evaluating Agro-ecological Management Options for Fall Armyworm in
Zimbabwe”. Since 2018, this project strives to address research gaps on FAW management and
cultural control within sustainable agriculture systems. The focus of the research has been to explore
climate-adapted push-pull systems and low-cost control options for smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe
who are unable to access and use expensive chemical products.
Environment friendly practices are proving effective to combat FAW risks
To reduce the devastating effects of FAW, the project in Zimbabwe is exploring the integration of
legumes into maize-based strip cropping systems as a first line of defense in the Manicaland and
Mashonaland east provinces. By planting maize with different, leguminous crops such as cowpea,
lablab and mucuna, farmers can disrupt the pests’ feeding patterns and reduce its population.
Legumes release volatile compounds that repel FAW, reducing the risk of infestation. Strip cropping
also enhances biodiversity, improves soil health and contributes to sustainable agricultural practices.
Overall results show that FAW can be effectively managed in such systems and implemented by
smallholder farmers. Research results also discovered that natural enemies such as ants are attracted
by the legumes further contributing to the biological control of FAW.
Recently, the use of biopesticides such as Fawligen has gained traction as an alternative to fight
against fall armyworm. Fawligen is a biocontrol agent that specifically targets the FAW larvae. Its
application requires delicate attention ? from proper storage to precise mixing and accurate
application. Following recommended guidelines is essential to maximize its effectiveness and
minimize potential risks to human health and the environment.
Impact in numbers
Since the inception of the project, close to 9,000 farmers participated in trainings and exposure
activities and more than 4,007 farmers have adopted the practices on their own field with 1,453
hectares under improved management. Working along with extension officers from the Ministry of
Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries & Rural Resettlement, the project has established 15 farmer field
schools as hubs of knowledge sharing, promoting several farming interventions including
conservation agriculture practices (mulching, minimum tillage through ripping), timely planting, use of
improved varieties, maintaining optimum plant population, and use of recommended fertilizers
among others.
Addressing FAW requires a multi-faceted approach. The FAW project in Zimbabwe is proactive in
tackling infestation by integrating intercropping trials with legumes, harnessing the application of
biopesticides, and collaborative research. By adopting sustainable agricultural practices, sharing
valuable knowledge, and providing farmers with effective tools and techniques, it is possible to
mitigate the impact of FAW and protect agrifood systems.
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Working towards effective FAW management
Efficient monitoring, early detection, and appropriate management strategies are crucial for mitigating
the impact of FAW infestations and protecting agricultural crops. To combat the menace of this
destructive pest, CIMMYT, with support from the United States Agency for International Development
(USAID), has been implementing research and extension on cultural control practices in Zimbabwe.
One such initiative is the “Evaluating Agro-ecological Management Options for Fall Armyworm in
Zimbabwe”. Since 2018, this project strives to address research gaps on FAW management and
cultural control within sustainable agriculture systems. The focus of the research has been to explore
climate-adapted push-pull systems and low-cost control options for smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe
who are unable to access and use expensive chemical products.
Environment friendly practices are proving effective to combat FAW risks
To reduce the devastating effects of FAW, the project in Zimbabwe is exploring the integration of
legumes into maize-based strip cropping systems as a first line of defense in the Manicaland and
Mashonaland east provinces. By planting maize with different, leguminous crops such as cowpea,
lablab and mucuna, farmers can disrupt the pests’ feeding patterns and reduce its population.
Legumes release volatile compounds that repel FAW, reducing the risk of infestation. Strip cropping
also enhances biodiversity, improves soil health and contributes to sustainable agricultural practices.
Overall results show that FAW can be effectively managed in such systems and implemented by
smallholder farmers. Research results also discovered that natural enemies such as ants are attracted
by the legumes further contributing to the biological control of FAW.
Recently, the use of biopesticides such as Fawligen has gained traction as an alternative to fight
against fall armyworm. Fawligen is a biocontrol agent that specifically targets the FAW larvae. Its
application requires delicate attention ? from proper storage to precise mixing and accurate
application. Following recommended guidelines is essential to maximize its effectiveness and
minimize potential risks to human health and the environment.
Impact in numbers
Since the inception of the project, close to 9,000 farmers participated in trainings and exposure
activities and more than 4,007 farmers have adopted the practices on their own field with 1,453
hectares under improved management. Working along with extension officers from the Ministry of
Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries & Rural Resettlement, the project has established 15 farmer field
schools as hubs of knowledge sharing, promoting several farming interventions including
conservation agriculture practices (mulching, minimum tillage through ripping), timely planting, use of
improved varieties, maintaining optimum plant population, and use of recommended fertilizers
among others.
Addressing FAW requires a multi-faceted approach. The FAW project in Zimbabwe is proactive in
tackling infestation by integrating intercropping trials with legumes, harnessing the application of
biopesticides, and collaborative research. By adopting sustainable agricultural practices, sharing
valuable knowledge, and providing farmers with effective tools and techniques, it is possible to
mitigate the impact of FAW and protect agrifood systems.
- 83 -
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