Zimbabwean farmers, already battered by the worst drought in decades, are now facing a new threat: fall armyworms.
These pests, known for devouring maize crops, have hit hard in rural regions, worsening an already dire agricultural crisis.
In Kamutepe village, 42-year-old Abigail Kadirire, a single mother of six, holds up a dark green armyworm, its white stripes a stark symbol of her struggles.
“This is the second time this season I’ve seen it,” she says, clearly distressed.
After a failed crop last year due to drought, she hoped for a better harvest in 2025, only to have her maize ravaged by the voracious caterpillars.
The fall armyworm, a native of the Americas, has spread across sub-Saharan Africa since 2016, worsened by climate change.
Experts say erratic rainfall and rising temperatures have allowed the pests to thrive in regions once unaffected.
In Zimbabwe, the invasion has already led to significant crop losses, leaving farmers like Kadirire uncertain about their future.
“Maize yields are down by up to 73% in some areas,” said Patrice Talla of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
This decline in crops has further deepened food insecurity, especially after last year’s drought, which left millions dependent on aid.
While government alerts and pesticides offer some hope, many farmers, including Kadirire, struggle to access timely solutions.
Climate-smart practices such as intercropping and pest management are being explored, but their success remains uncertain.
As Zimbabwe braces for another challenging year, Kadirire fears that, despite her best efforts, she may once again rely on food handouts.
