Collaboration between South Countries to Combat Fall Armyworm

Huizhou, China - From November 11-16, 2024, a significant workshop took place in Huizhou City, Guangdong Province, where stakeholders from Ghana and Kenya joined forces with experts from China and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The goal was to share knowledge and train in innovative strategies to monitor and sustainably manage the fall armyworm (FAW) pest.

The workshop focused on leveraging IPM approaches, particularly those developed in China. With 50 participants, the event was organized by the FAO FAW Secretariat and the Institute of Plant Protection of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (IPPCAAS), and implemented by the Plant Protection Research Institute of Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences (PPRI-GDAAS).

Key Topics Discussed:

• FAW monitoring and early warning systems.
• Biological control methods.
• Development and mass rearing of natural enemies.
• Biopesticide research and production.
• Drone and other pesticide application technologies.

Experts from IPPCAAS and PPRI-GDAAS explained IPM strategies and showcased China’s practical achievements in this field. Participants observed processes for mass rearing of natural enemies of FAW and precision pesticide application using drones.

At a demonstration site in Pingtan County, Huiyang District, Huizhou City, participants viewed the use of drones to release natural enemies "balls", unmanned aerial spraying systems, and biological pesticides.

Ghanaian participants found biological control technologies particularly applicable, including:

• Scaling up the use of Telenemus remus against FAW.
• Scouting for alternative natural enemies.
• Evaluating the use of botanical extracts and essential oils against FAW at every stage of its life cycle.
• Greater use of neem extracts.
• Identifying local plant species used in traditional pest management practices.

Upon returning to Ghana, the knowledge will be shared through Farmer Field Schools (FFS) with approximately 1,000 farmers and through the training of 50 extension officers across 16 regions.

In Kenya, the knowledge and training from this workshop will be shared through 13 demonstration sites. Ten of these sites will focus on FAW monitoring technologies, including pheromone, food bait, and light traps, as well as botanicals, intercropping, and biopesticides. Approximately 50 trainers will be trained as FFS facilitators to share knowledge from this workshop with about 1,000 farmers in various locations in Kenya.

A team from South China Agricultural University presented research findings on precision agricultural aviation and progress made in biopesticide development.

FAO and China are collaborating through the project "Strengthening inter-regional cooperation for sustainable management of fall armyworm through South-South Cooperation," aiming to enhance the sustainability of agricultural production in Kenya and Ghana via technical support and capacity building.

The workshop served as a significant example of South-South Cooperation in action. FAO plans to continue strengthening its collaboration with China and other countries, providing increased technical support to affected nations, and assisting them in achieving sustainable agricultural development