The arrival of rain in most parts of Zambia after a prolonged dry spell is a moment of immense relief and renewal. After enduring dry spells in the 2023/2024 farming season which led to increase in pests and disease, crop failure, food insecurity, increase in cases of malnutrition, water scarcity for both human and livestock consumption, the first drops of rain rekindled hope for a greener future.
As expected, the majority of smallholder farmers have grown maize and a few other crops. However, the sad reality for farmers is that maize, the staple crop, has over the years attracted a variety of pests including the Fall Army Worm.  Â
The Invisible Invaders: Pests Threatening Zambia’s Food Security
While the fall armyworm has emerged as a formidable foe for maize farmers, it is not the only pest causing sleepless nights. Sweet potato farmers battle with the sweet potato weevil, while bean crops face the wrath of aphids and bean stem maggots. These tiny invaders can destroy entire fields, leaving farmers with empty storehouses and no income.
The Hidden Costs of Inaction
Ignoring these pest challenges is not just an inconvenience, it is a threat to Zambia’s very fabric:
- Economic Devastation: Crop losses translate directly to income losses, pushing farmers deeper into poverty.
- Food Insecurity: With staple crops under attack, food prices soar, making it harder for families to secure food.
- Environmental Damage: Desperate farmers may turn to harmful chemical pesticides, damaging soil health and local ecosystems.
Farmers therefore need the right strategies, prevent and mitigate fall armyworm infestations while protecting their crops, their livelihoods and their land.
Sustainable Solutions: Winning the War on Pests
- Intercropping: Nature’s Pest Control
Intercropping maize with legumes like beans or cowpeas is not just clever, it is a powerful weapon against pests. This approach:
- Disrupts Pest Behaviour: the mixed crop layout confuses fall armyworms, making it harder for them to locate maize plants
- Improves soil health: boosting plant resilience
- Provides an additional harvest, enhancing food security
Try this: Plant rows of fast-growing cowpeas between your maize, spacing them 30-50 cm apart. You’ll create a natural barrier against pests while enriching your soil!
- Harnessing Traditional Wisdom
Zambia’s farmers have battled pests for generations, developing ingenious solutions along the way:
- Crop Rotations: Alternating crops year by year disrupt pest life cycles.
- Ash Application: Sprinkling wood ash around plants deters certain insects.
- Herbal Repellents: Concoctions made from neem, garlic, or chilli peppers act as natural pesticides.
Did you know? Many of these traditional methods are not only effective but also align perfectly with modern organic farming.
By understanding the threat posed by fall armyworms and implementing proactive pest management strategies, Zambian farmers and farmers in Africa can secure their staple crops and ensure food security for their communities. These approaches not only combat fall armyworms but also promote soil health, increase crop diversity, and improve resilience against other pests and climate-related challenges.
Remember: Every healthy crop starts with good protection. Start your journey to pest-free farming today!
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Author: Rabecca Mwila
Rabecca Mwila is a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. With a background in climate change and communications, she has spent years telling the untold stories of the realities of climate change, environmental and climate injustices and how they affect vulnerable communities in Africa and beyond.