Farmers knowledge, perception, and management strategies of fall armyworm in the savanna ecology of Ghana

The larvae of the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), pose a significant threat to maize and other crops, potentially leading to economic losses if not effectively managed. Despite numerous studies conducted on FAW in Ghana, there remains a gap in understanding farmers' knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors regarding the pest and its management techniques. This study aimed to identify the key elements related to farmers' understanding of FAW pests and their control. Interviews were conducted with 200 farmers from 15 districts across 5 regions, with discussions held in various local languages. The findings emphasize the importance of encouraging farmers to adopt alternative management options beyond the application of chemicals, which carry potential environmental and health risks. Additionally, it is crucial to provide training to farmers to equip them with basic expertise on FAW pests and their management, potentially through farmers' field schools. As farmers begin to adopt various measures to minimize FAW infestation in an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach, there is a need to continually enhance these practices to improve their effectiveness in the broader FAW suppression program. Key words: Fall armyworm, pest level, economic impact, management strategies, Africa.