Kenyan Farmers Benefit from Armyworm Initiative

Kenyan Farmers Embrace Sustainable Solutions to Combat Fall Armyworm

Kenyan farmers are witnessing a positive transformation in their agricultural practices, thanks to the South-South Cooperation approach aimed at tackling the Fall Armyworm (FAW) infestation. This initiative involves the use of bio-pesticides and nature-based solutions, offering an effective alternative to traditional chemical methods.

During a visit to Embu, eastern Kenya, local farmers shared their experiences of how they have managed to avoid losses caused by FAW. The program, led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and supported by the Chinese government, has introduced sustainable techniques that have significantly improved their harvests.

Margret Nyaga, chairperson of the Nyakio farmers’ field school group, highlighted the impact of the training they received through the project. She mentioned that the application of compost manure and bio-pesticides has enabled them to produce better yields of maize for both consumption and sale. Nyaga emphasized that the project has also encouraged good land preparation and regular farm monitoring, which are essential components of effective FAW management.

The farmers have formed a field school with 15 members, where they exchange knowledge and learn about sustainable farming practices. Nyaga noted that their primary activity is farming, making them open to adopting innovative techniques that can help prevent crop losses.

Dr. Baogen Gu, Senior Agricultural Officer at FAO, launched the Global Action for FAW Control in 2019. This initiative focuses on enhancing countries’ capacities to manage FAW and ensure food security. The project, funded by the Chinese government, is currently running in Kenya and Ghana from 2023 to 2025. It aims to strengthen inter-regional cooperation through South-South Collaboration, emphasizing the use of natural enemies of FAW and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.

Dr. Gu explained that the field schools play a crucial role in disseminating these technologies to farmers in the most affected areas. He added that FAO is working with farmers across pilot countries to develop effective strategies, including community-based scouting, bio-ecological control, and farmer education to improve detection and control of FAW.

Dr. Nyabenyi Tipo, Acting FAO Representative in Kenya, pointed out that FAW initially caught farmers off guard, leading to significant crop damage due to a lack of knowledge and over-reliance on chemicals. The project, located in key maize-growing regions such as Embu, Mabanga, and Kitale, has helped farmers implement early warning systems and promote the use of natural enemies of FAW.

Tipo noted that other African countries are also facing similar challenges with FAW, as changing climatic conditions provide favorable environments for its proliferation. She highlighted the successful collaboration between Kenya and China, showcasing tangible outcomes in agricultural development with a focus on IPM and other innovations.

Prof. George Ongamo, principal investigator of the project and FAW management specialist, observed that farmers have adapted well to the techniques taught through the field schools. Many are now actively using bio-pesticides and nature-based solutions to protect their crops. Ongamo emphasized that FAW remains a critical threat to global food security, as it affects a wide range of crops, including maize, rice, and sorghum.

Through the project, Kenyan scientists have participated in two high-level training sessions in China, where they learned advanced techniques for managing FAW. Additionally, FAO recently trained Kenya’s plant protection and extension officers in sustainable FAW management practices.

Fall Armyworm, originally from tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, is known scientifically as Spodoptera frugiperda. This pest feeds on more than 80 crop species, causing extensive damage to economically vital crops. Its presence continues to challenge agricultural systems worldwide, making initiatives like the South-South Cooperation essential in the fight against this destructive pest.