The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) invaded Africa in 2016, and has since spread to all countries in sub-Saharan Africa, causing devastating effects on mainly maize and sorghum. The rapid spread of this pest is aided by its high reproductive rate, high migration ability, wide host range and adaptability to different environments, among others. Since its introduction, many governments purchased and distributed pesticides for emergency control, with minimal regard to their efficacy. In this chapter, we review efforts towards managing this pest, highlight key challenges, and provide our thoughts on considerations for sustainable management of the pest.

https://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96637

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Komi Fiaboehttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-5113-2159

Juliet Akellohttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-4780-4850

https://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96637

Natural Resource Management; Plant Production and Health

Agronomy; Food Security; Maize; Pests of Plants; Plant Breeding; Plant Health; Plant Production

Agroecology; Parasitoids; Pesticides; Spodoptera Frugiperda; Zea Mays; Maize; Subsaharan Africa

Africa; Africa South of Sahara

Southern Africa Hub; Central Africa Hub