Pests pose significant problems for farmers and public health. For instance, rodents can spread salmonella and other hazardous bacteria, which may end up in water used for irrigation. On the other hand, insects often feed on crops, ruining farmers’ yields.
Few pests have caused as much damage throughout Africa as the fall armyworm. West African farmers have worked tirelessly to reduce fall armyworm outbreaks since its introduction to the continent in the 1970s. The fall armyworm has proven itself capable of destroying 40% of maize in four months and 50% of cassava chips in three months.
