The African Agricultural sector may be facing one of its most grueling challenges yet. Despite efforts to eradicate the country’s staggering hunger rate by improving their harvest, scientists have discovered a new threat that can destroy their crops. The spread of this pest is rapid, which forced scientists to seek the action of the local government and private organizations.
According to the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (Cabi), the fall armyworm is causing woes among farms across Africa. If no immediate action will be undertaken, this might become a major threat to the country’s food security and agricultural trade. This will also endanger the local farmers’ source of livelihood.
Moreover, the Food and Agriculture Organization began creating plans through emergency talks on how to address the matter. They promised the farmers that they will make a viable solution to solve this looming crisis so as to prevent devastating losses. What they fear more is the pest, which is non-native to Africa, might reach Asia and Mediterranean borders in the near future.
According to BBC, the fall armyworm got its name because of its nature in consuming crops. It marches through farms and eats most of the vegetation in its way. It was first identified in Africa last year, but is said to native to North and South America. Cabi chief scientist Dr. Matthew Cock even warned that this invasive species has become a serious pest spreading in tropical Africa.
Bloomberg also reported that fall armyworms have already devastated entire cornfields in Zambia. According to the country’s Vice President, Inonge Wina, Zambia will intensify its fight against armyworms. President Lungu even tapped the air force to help in transporting chemicals needed to fight and fully obliterate the pests.
Recently, the Science and Security Board announced that the ‘doomsday clock’ has moved closer to midnight, which means that mankind can expect more catastrophes detrimental to human survival, including natural disasters and food security threats.
