Fall Armyworm hits Africa

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A new pest is threatening food security in southern Africa.

The ‘fall armyworm’ is spreading quickly throughout the region, invading key food crops like potatoes and maize. Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and South Africa are among the countries that are hit.

But it’s not a worm, despite its name. It’s actually a hungry caterpillar that is eating and destroying crops.

It’s a big problem for farmers because it is eating maize and other crops, which people depend on for food.

What’s making it worse, is that it is a new pest, so farmers and the government don’t know how to get rid of it.

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Shem Banbury - Kiwi Kids News Editor

Shem Banbury is the Editor of Kiwi Kids News and is the Deputy Principal at Mount Maunganui Intermediate. In his spare time, he likes to train and compete in triathlons, play cricket and spend time with his family.

3 Responses

Anonymous says:

June 19, 2017 at 3:27 pm

so sad that worm is taking over africa
Anonymous says:

June 19, 2017 at 6:11 pm

ew gross glad i dont live there
Anonymous says:

June 23, 2017 at 6:30 am

maybe its not a new pest but it just got a new hunger for corn and potatoes