By Milliam Murigi

As climate change intensifies, rising temperatures and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns create ideal conditions for spreading pests that threaten agriculture.

Among these is the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), a destructive pest that has ravaged crops in over 44 African countries. Originally native to the Americas, this pest has become an invasive species in Africa, where it continues to wreak havoc on crops.

A report by the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI) shows that since the pest was first reported in Africa in 2016, it has been responsible for up to 58 percent of maize losses worth up to US $9.4 billion in Sub-Saharan Africa. This is why it is arguably the most damaging invasive species to afflict all corners of the continent affecting major African crops – particularly maize, sorghum and millet.

“Fall armyworm is a regional challenge that requires a coordinated solution in terms of monitoring and early warning, management, communication and awareness, impact assessment and resource mobilization. Strategies for effective interventions to stem the spread and impact of fall armyworm need to encompass short-, medium- and long-term solutions,” says the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

According to FAO, its rapid spread is largely attributed to its ability to migrate long distances and reproduce at an alarming rate, making it a formidable threat to farmers. The pest has already devastated vast swathes of farmland, endangering food security and the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers who rely on agriculture.

While the pest primarily targets maize, one of Africa’s most important staple crops, its versatility is alarming, it can feed on over 80 different plant species, including sorghum, rice, and cotton. This broad host range allows it to adapt to diverse environments, increasing its impact on food production systems across the continent.

“Without urgent interventions, the future of maize farming in Africa remains precarious, with serious implications for food security across the continent,” warns Professor Dorington Ogoyi from the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology at the Technical University of Kenya.

Prof Dorington Okeyo Ogoyi, from the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Technical University of Kenya

In response to this escalating crisis, researchers are now focusing on modifying the maize crop to fight this invasive species wreaking havoc in the agriculture sector. This is because crop modification is easier to scale and control than modifying pests. Once resistant crops are developed, they can be cultivated widely, protecting large agricultural areas.

So far through advanced biotechnology, scientists have come up with a genetically engineered maize variety that is resistant to the pest. The variety is known as TELA maize. This is a genetically modified maize variety specifically designed to combat the fall armyworm and offer drought tolerance. It’s part of a broader biocontrol strategy that seeks to use genetic innovations rather than relying solely on chemical pesticides or other conventional methods.

“TELA maize is engineered with a Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) gene, which produces proteins toxic to the fall armyworm larvae but harmless to humans and other animals. When the larvae feed on TELA maize, they ingest the Bt protein, which destroys their gut lining, causing death within days. This built-in resistance helps protect crops from infestation while reducing the need for chemical pesticides,” says Prof Ogoyi.

In addition to its pest-resistant qualities, TELA maize is also designed to tolerate drought conditions, which have become more frequent and severe due to climate change. This dual advantage allows farmers in the region to grow maize more reliably despite fluctuating rainfall and pest pressures.

Unlike chemical pesticides, which can harm beneficial insects and disrupt ecosystems, TELA maize targets only the fall armyworm, making it a more environmentally sustainable solution. The use of genetically engineered crops reduces the reliance on synthetic chemicals, which can lead to pesticide resistance and environmental degradation over time.

“By reducing the survival rate of fall armyworms that feed on maize, TELA maize can help suppress local populations of the pest over time. This acts as a biocontrol mechanism, as the genetically modified maize essentially disrupts the reproductive cycle of the armyworm by killing larvae before they can mature and reproduce. As a result, the overall pest population decreases, providing long-term benefits for farmers,” says Prof. Ogoyi.

Already African countries have started to embrace this maize variety. In Nigeria for example, TELA maize was approved for commercialization in 2024, marking a major milestone in the country’s agricultural advancement. In Kenya, the TELA maize variety with insect-resistant and drought-tolerant traits is still under Confined Field Trials. Similarly, Uganda’s National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) is conducting field trials to assess its efficacy, while Ethiopia is also testing the variety to evaluate its performance under local conditions.

“Fall armyworm infestation has been a major challenge in Nigeria. This is why the Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the commercial release of genetically modified insect-resistant and drought-tolerant maize varieties, known as TELA maize,” says Ogunremi Charles, Assistant Chief Research Officer, National Biotechnology and Research Development Agency (NBRDA) Nigeria.

Ogunremi Charles, Assistant Chief Research Officer, National Biotechnology and Research Development Agency (NBRDA) Nigeria addressing people during a field visit

For the countries that have not adopted modern biotechnology to fight this pest, they have embraced other interventions that are also effective. For example, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has been actively involved in efforts to manage and contain the fall armyworm infestation in the Eastern Africa region.

In collaboration with FAO, IGAD has supported the development and implementation of integrated pest management strategies aimed at controlling fall armyworm spread and mitigating its impact on agriculture.

Additionally, IGAD has been involved in regional workshops and training sessions to enhance the capacity of member states in FAW management. These efforts include developing early warning systems, conducting impact assessments, and promoting sustainable management practices among farming communities.

The National Agriculture Research Laboratories in Kawanda, Uganda, have been developing innovative pest control methods, receiving commendation from both IGAD and FAO. These efforts are part of a broader push to provide sustainable, science-based solutions to combat fall armyworm while reducing the environmental impact of excessive pesticide use.

“With climate change accelerating the spread of Transboundary pests like fall armyworm, the urgency for effective, scalable solutions has never been greater. Whether through biotechnology, integrated pest management, or regional collaboration, the fight against this devastating pest is crucial for safeguarding Africa’s agricultural future,” says Prof. Ogoyi.

According to him, now that Africa has a maize variety resistant to this pest, the challenge lies in ensuring its widespread adoption. Other nations should follow suit by expediting regulatory approvals and implementing large-scale adoption programs. Governments, research institutions, and farmers must collaborate to embrace this innovation, ensuring that Africa no longer suffers from the devastating impact of the fall armyworm.