Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
GOVERNMENT has started distributing pesticides to farmers in Matabeleland South Province following reports of African armyworm infestations, which are devastating crops and grazing lands across several districts.
The outbreak is escalating in Zimbabwe, with the Department of Migratory Pest Control under the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development implementing urgent measures to mitigate the pest’s impact.
The African armyworm is notorious for its rapid reproduction and migratory behaviour, allowing it to spread swiftly across agricultural lands. The most severely affected crops include maize and millet, both crucial for the country’s food security.
Recent reports indicate the worm is also attacking sugarcane and rapoko, adding further pressure on farmers already grappling with economic challenges and climate variability.
The infestation has affected over 25 districts across eight provinces.
In Gwanda District, the pest has ravaged crops and grazing land in the Selonga area, Ward 15.
“Our crops are under serious threat because of the armyworm. It has destroyed small grains in my field. We desperately need a decent harvest this year after poor yields for the past two seasons.
“We are relieved to receive pesticide because we cannot afford to buy it,” said Mr Gilbert Moyo, a farmer from Selonga.
Matabeleland South Provincial Agriculture and Rural Development Advisory Services (Ardas) deputy director, Mr Bhekilizwe Ncube, confirmed that pesticides have been distributed in Gwanda and Umzingwane Districts, with all districts set to benefit.
Each Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depot in the province has received 50 000 units of pesticide, except for Matobo and Insiza, which are yet to receive their allocations.
“As a province, we received reports of the African armyworm last week with the worst affected areas being Umzingwane and Gwanda Districts. On Saturday, our teams moved to the ground to distribute the pesticide to the farmers,” said Mr Ncube.
“We have prioritised areas that have reported cases, but every district will benefit under the Presidential input programmes. As we are distributing the pesticide, we are demonstrating to farmers how to apply it.”
A team from the Agriculture Department visited Selonga, where the African armyworm had already destroyed 50 percent of crops and grazing land.
“Timely intervention is critical. Farmers must co-operate and adopt recommended pest management practices to prevent further destruction,” said Mr Ncube.
He said they are also conducting awareness campaigns to educate farmers about the best practices for managing armyworm outbreaks.
Mr Ncube urged farmers to adopt integrated pest management strategies, which include regular field monitoring for early detection, immediate pesticide application upon spotting infestations and working closely with extension officers for expert guidance.
“The African armyworm can reproduce rapidly, meaning even small infestations can escalate if not controlled early. Farmers should inspect their fields daily and report any abnormal pest activity to extension officers immediately. If we all work together, we can contain the outbreak,” he said.
The African armyworm outbreak is not unique to Zimbabwe as neighbouring countries such as South Africa, Namibia and Botswana are also experiencing infestations.
The situation is worsened by the moth stage of the pest, which is carried across borders by strong winds. Agricultural experts note that the African armyworm originates from humid regions such as Zambia, Uganda and Tanzania, where it thrives and reproduces rapidly.
The moths, identifiable by their dark brown wings with black spots, can travel long distances, increasing the risk of recurring outbreaks. — @DubeMatutu
