The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has launched a mobile application to fight fall armyworm, a crop-eating pest that has invaded thousands of hectors of farmlands in Africa.

FAO said Wednesday the Fall Armyworm Monitoring and Early Warning Systems (FAMEWS) mobile application is vital for early detection of the pest and guiding best response. "The app will help us build our collective knowledge of fall armyworm in Africa, and connect all the dots: from how and where it spreads to what makes it weaker and less damaging,” said Keith Cressman, FAO Senior Agricultural Officer, in a statement. Cressman said the app provides valuable insights on how the insect changes over time and space to improve knowledge of its behavior in Africa and guide best response.

"The app is useful on two fronts: for farmers and agricultural workers in the direct management of their crops to prevent further infestations and reduce damage; and for all actors involved in managing fall armyworm in Africa by providing vital analysis on risks, spread and management,” he added.

Agencies