Sharon Chigeza
MUTARE – The African army worm infestation is escalating in Zimbabwe, with alarming reports indicating that all seven districts of Manicaland have been affected, particularly in Mutasa district, which is facing the brunt of the crisis.
In just the past week, new cases have emerged from five provinces, adding six more districts to the growing list of areas impacted by this destructive pest. Shingirai Nyamutukwa, the director of Migratory Pest Control, confirmed that the infestation is primarily affecting Masvingo, Chiredzi, and Manicaland.
“These are the most hard-hit areas. As the Department of Migratory Pest Control, we have put in place measures to mitigate the adverse effects. We have been warning farmers through our pest command centres to be wary and increase surveillance of their crops,” he stated.
The African army worm is notorious for its rapid reproduction and migratory behaviour, which allows it to spread quickly across agricultural lands. The most severely impacted crops are maize and millet, staples that are crucial for food security in Zimbabwe. Recent reports surfaced indicating that the worms are also attacking sugarcane and rapoko, posing an added challenge for farmers already grappling with economic pressures and climate variability.
Currently, a total of 22 districts across the country have reported cases of army worm infestation. The affected districts include UMP, Murewa, Mudzi, Goromonzi, Shamva, Chipinge, Mutasa, Mutare, Chimanimani, Buhera, Chiredzi, Zaka, Bikita, Gutu, Masvingo, Mwenezi, Hwange, Umguza, Mberengwa, Zvishavane, Hurungwe, and Zvimba. The widespread nature of this issue raises significant concerns regarding food security and the livelihoods of farmers in these regions.
In response to the crisis, the Department of Migratory Pest Control is dispatching pesticides to the affected regions to help combat the infestation. Nyamutukwa reassured farmers that “we are actively working to provide the necessary chemicals to help contain the situation.”
However, he emphasised that timely intervention and adherence to recommended pest management practices are critical in preventing further crop damage.
He urged farmers to adopt integrated pest management strategies, which include regular monitoring of their fields, identifying early signs of infestation, and applying pesticides as needed. Awareness campaigns are being intensified to educate farmers about the best practices for managing army worm outbreaks.
The recent surge in army worm cases is a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Zimbabwean agriculture, which is vital to the country’s economy. As the Government and agricultural stakeholders work to address the infestation, there is a call for collaborative efforts among communities, agricultural organisations, and government agencies to mitigate the impact.
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