At a moment characterized by four looming famines abroad and a steady drip of political tumult at home, you could be forgiven for missing fall armyworms in the headlines, but they should command your attention nonetheless. Native to Central and South America, the pest was first identified in Africa just last year but has now spread to over 20 countries, devastating grain, horticultural, and cash crops in its path. Fall armyworms could cost the continent $3 billion over the coming months while ravaging the staple crop, maize, upon which over 200 million southern Africans depend.
Read Full Article »
