Since its appearance on the continent, substantial research has been conducted on FAW in different African countries, resulting in several publications.

This may affect the income earned and result in cash shortages, leading to failure to afford basic necessities. The impact of FAW at the household level may not affect the amount of maize consumed, but rather the amount sold because farmers mostly sell off the excess harvest after catering for household food demands. The impact of FAW would be much felt in Africa with an ever-increasing population and its demand for maize, a preferred food for the poor. If left unattended, the continued destruction by the FAW, leading to reduced yields, would aggravate the already precarious conditions of over 400 million Africans living below the poverty line.

At this time, many African scientists relied mainly on information and experiences from the management of FAW in the Americas. When the FAW was reported in Africa in 2016, there was a general lack of knowledge on its management, causing a panic that resulted in many African governments procuring and distributing non-validated insecticides for its control. Annual yield losses in maize due to FAW infestation are estimated between 8.3 and 20.6 million tons in just 12 African countries, valued at US$2,481–6,187 million. The fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) was first reported in Africa in 2016, where it mainly impacts maize production.

Download armyworm