FAO Strengthens Biological Control Capacities against Fall Armyworm in the five Maghreb countries

Tunis, August 9-11, 2022: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Tunisia organized a training of trainers on biological control, the breeding of natural enemies and alternative methods against the fall armyworm (FAW). This training allowed participants from the five Maghreb countries - national coordinators and consultants - to acquire knowledge on the bio-ecology of the armyworm and on alternative control methods, as well as on surveillance techniques to prevent its entry into the countries of the Maghreb. The work also planned a field visit in order to equip the participants on the practical methods of rearing the natural enemies used in integrated pest management (IPM) against the fall armyworm. 

FAO in North Africa provides technical assistance to countries in order to strengthen the capacities and expertise of Maghreb countries in the management and prevention of this pest, which has been present in Mauritania since February 2020. This technical support will help to counter the threat of invasion of this pest due to the cross-border nature of its spread, through interventions and awareness raising, surveillance and control actions for Mauritania, and preparedness and preventive control actions in Algeria, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia. 

At present, the FAW in Mauritania has already affected food production and food security in the country through its spread in the six wilayas where, for the period 2015-2020, the annual average production area is estimated at 18,887 ha of maize and 170,717 ha of sorghum, which are already partially infested by the fall armyworm. In addition, the presence of FAW in the other neighboring countries of the Maghreb region is a serious concern for the region because of the likely risk of spreading the pest, which can lead to huge financial losses and requires more important control measures. 

The FAO has launched a three-year global action campaign for the control of the armyworm. This global action consists of responding to any rapid spread emergency of the fall armyworm in the world through coordinated measures aimed at strengthening prevention and initiating sustainable control capacities at global, regional and national levels. The training workshop that took place in Tunisia responds to this implementation of the global program. Participants will be able to ensure the required monitoring and the exchange of knowledge and experience for the Maghreb countries and preserve the cereal production of these countries.