Description

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Fall armyworm (FAW) - or Spodoptera frugiperda - is a dangerous transboundary pest native to the Americas that has been spreading rapidly in Africa since 2016, causing significant yield losses to crops. Farmer education and community action are critical elements in the strategy to manage FAW populations through an integrated and ecological pest management approach. Farmer Field Schools (FFS), a holistic farmer education approach used in over 90 countries, will be a key component of the response effort. This publication provides guidance on how to use FFS in this context, with an emphasis on maize as FAW's preferred host plant. It provides information on the biology and ecology of FAW, field studies and exercises for use in season-long FFS, as well as suggestions on how to put together training programmes for rural advisory services/extension and refresher courses for trainers and facilitators.

About the Author

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Founded in 1945, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Serving both developed and developing countries, FAO provides a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy. The Organization publishes authoritative publications on agriculture, fisheries, forestry and nutrition.