PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

Feed the Future DRC Fall Armyworm Activity

Facilitating adoption of fall armyworm (FAW) pest management solutions
2019 – 2026

The Feed the Future DRC Fall Armyworm Activity is shaping the future of fall armyworm  pest management for smallholder farmers and the supporting market system in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The activity is deploying an integrated fall armyworm pest management strategy that is enhancing food security, generating income, and improving the livelihoods of smallholder maize producers. The activity is being implemented in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and Villa Crop Protection.

PROJECT FOCUS AREAS

1. Boosting Agricultural Technologies

To combat fall armyworm, we are developing, validating, and scaling sustainable and cost-effective integrated pest management technologies.

2. Improving Agricultural Techniques

Through our activities, we are increasing adoption of good agricultural practices and integrated pest management techniques among smallholder farmers and other agriculture stakeholders.

3. Fostering an Integrated Approach

Because we know that effective pest management extends beyond the farm, the activity is improving policies and systems to foster good agricultural practices and integrated pest management.

COUNTRY CONTEXT

Democratic Republic of the Congo

The 2016–2019 invasion of fall armyworm into Africa was sudden, swift and unstoppable. By 2017, widespread damage to maize crops threatened the food security of smallholder subsistence farming communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The presence of fall armyworm is irreversible, but with a concerted effort by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Livestock (MINAGRI), the private sector, and smallholder farmers, the effects of fall armyworm can be less devastating to crops.