The Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research for Southern Africa (CCARDESA) said countries already facing high food inflation, like Zimbabwe, at 105%, risk further economic distress due to the recent outbreak of the African armyworm.
An outbreak of African armyworm was reported across Southern Africa, back in February 2025.”, raising concerns over food security, economic stability, and the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers.
Countries affected are Zimbabwe, Malawi, Botswana, Eswatini, and South Africa.
According to the CCARDESA, the African armyworm (Spodoptera exempta), is a highly destructive migratory pest that primarily affects cereal crops such as maize, millet, sorghum, and wheat. The pest thrives under warm, wet conditions and can cause widespread destruction within days, making early detection and rapid response crucial.
The Armyworm larvae will hatch in large numbers and consume vast amounts of foliage, leading to severe crop losses. Once food sources are depleted, they migrate en masse, spreading rapidly across national borders and possibly regions.
The latest outbreak could have devastating economic impacts, particularly for smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of Southern Africa’s agricultural sector. The infestation is expected to reduce crop yields, increase food prices, disrupt trade and markets and strain government budgets.
The Free State Provincial Government is the second to report an outbreak this week, following the City of Tshwane, in Region 7.
Other areas where the outbreak was previously reported, are Gauteng and Mpumalanga.
About 31 cases were reported in the Litsemeng Municipality, with infestation spreading towards Tokologo Municipality, on Wednesday, the 26th March 2025.
Picture: CCARDESA