KEY POINTS
- African armyworms are destroying sorghum and maize crops in Matabeleland South.
- The government has deployed pesticides to help farmers combat the outbreak.
- Zimbabwe’s harvest target of 3.3 million tonnes is at risk.
A severe outbreak of the African armyworm is putting Zimbabwean farmers in Matabeleland South at risk of losing their crops. The invasion, which has already affected sorghum and maize fields, has left many farmers fearing for their harvest after a promising rainy season.
For Gogo Mandlovu, a farmer in the Selonga area of Gwanda South, the infestation came as a shock. “I had done six plots of sorghum and one for maize, then I noticed these caterpillars eating all the leaves,” she said. “I am worried because my entire crop is being destroyed.”
Many farmers in the region share her concerns, fearing that the outbreak will significantly reduce their yields. “We were expecting a good harvest, but this pest is killing us,” said another farmer.
Government steps in with pesticide intervention
In response to the crisis, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development has deployed teams to the affected areas, armed with pesticides to help control the infestation.
“After hearing about the African armyworm outbreak, we immediately dispatched teams with pesticides,” said Matabeleland South Acting Deputy Director for Agritex, Bekhilizwe Ncube.
“We are also demonstrating how to properly use the chemicals to ensure effective pest control.”
He instructed farmers to make swift reports about any unusual sightings in their agricultural areas. “Whenever you see something unfamiliar in your fields, notify your extension officer. We have all the chemicals needed to deal with these outbreaks,” he assured farmers.
According to ZBC News, the Bulilima district remains the only area in Matabeleland South that has not reported any cases of the pest.
Zimbabwe’s harvest target at risk
The African armyworm poses a serious threat to Zimbabwe’s 2024/2025 agricultural season, where the country is aiming for 3.3 million tonnes of cereal, including 2.7 million tonnes of maize. The pest’s additional spread would absolutely affect both food security and small-scale farming livelihoods.
Zimbabwe has previously dealt with destructive crop invaders such as fall armyworms and locusts that caused damage to its agricultural fields.
The government emphasizes both early detection of threats and quick responses to minimize extensive damage across the country.
Farmers are now hoping that the government’s pesticide intervention will contain the outbreak before more damage is done.
However, additional action at this moment is vital, as the existing planting season continues.
