Armyworm larva

An outbreak of the fall armyworm is further threatening the food crisis in the country, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization.

Fall armyworm is a new pest in Africa, preferring maize plants, but feeds on sorghum, millet, vegetables and other crops as well.

Following its initial detection in Magwi Country, it is spread to nearly all areas of the country at an alarming rate.

These include Yei, Juba, former Northern Bahr el Gazal states and parts of Jonglei.

The UN agency says as maize and sorghum are staple foods in the country, the infestation is putting an increasing number of people at risk of hunger.

“It’s nearly impossible to eliminate this pest from South Sudan – now that it is here, it will stay. Following its initial detection in Magwi Country, it is spread to nearly all areas of the country at an alarming rate,” explains Serge Tissot, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Representative in South Sudan.

“Given FAO’s experience with the pest in other countries in Africa, we can say this could be a significant blow to prospects of agricultural recovery.”

FAO says in close partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, it is continuing with assessment of fall armyworm infestation across the country.

It says it will launch a country-wide strategy and awareness campaign to promote effective and efficient control.

South Sudan is facing unprecedented levels of food insecurity, as nearly 4.9 million people – about 40 percent of the country’s population – remain in urgent need of food assistance, according to the UN agency.