Zimbabwean farmers face crop-munching armyworm after drought
Climate change is fuelling the spread of crop-destroying fall armyworm in Zimbabwe, dealing another blow to drought-hit farmers.
- Drought saw millions go hungry in Zimbabwe last year
- Fall armyworm infestation now hitting maize yields
- Experts say early warnings, pesticides can fight invasion
[...]
Talla said more erratic rainfall and rising temperatures have created favourable conditions for the proliferation of various pests in Zimbabwe and throughout Africa.
"Global climate warming triggers an expansion of insect geographic coverage, increasing overwintering survival and the number of generations," said Talla, who is also an FAO representative in Eswatini, Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
[...]
Malawi, Zambia, Togo, Benin and Swaziland have also been affected by fall armyworm, which reduces maize yields by up to 73% and inflicts annual economic losses valued at $9.4 billion in Africa alone, according to FAO.
"Reduced (maize) harvests result in lower incomes for affected households, compromising their capacity to buy food and other necessities," Talla said.
[...]