Zimbabwean Farmers Battle Crop-Munching Armyworms After Devastating Drought

After facing the devastating impact of a prolonged drought, Zimbabwean farmers are now confronted with a new challenge: an infestation of armyworms ravaging their crops. The notorious pest, known for its ability to quickly destroy entire fields of maize, millet, and other crops, has intensified the already difficult circumstances for farmers who have struggled to recover from the effects of the recent dry spell.

A Double Blow for Zimbabwe’s Agriculture Sector

Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector has been in turmoil due to the prolonged drought conditions that affected the 2024/2025 growing season. With reduced rainfall and extremely high temperatures, many farmers faced stunted crop growth, reduced yields, and even complete crop failure. As the country struggles to secure food supplies and support its agricultural sector, the unexpected invasion of armyworms has added another layer of distress to the already fragile situation.

Armyworms, which are the larvae of certain moth species, are known for their voracious appetites and rapid spread. They have been particularly destructive to maize, a staple crop in Zimbabwe, which is already facing production shortfalls. The infestation has spread across several regions, damaging fields that had survived the drought’s worst effects, leaving farmers with little to harvest.

The Armyworm Outbreak

The current outbreak is being closely monitored by agricultural experts and government officials. While armyworm infestations have been a recurring issue in Zimbabwe, the scale of the current outbreak has caught many farmers off guard. The pests are notorious for their ability to reproduce quickly and for their resistance to certain chemical treatments, making them particularly challenging to control.

In many areas, farmers have reported seeing the armyworms strip entire fields bare, leaving crops almost unrecognizable. For many, this marks the second year in a row of crop failure, leaving them vulnerable to both food insecurity and financial ruin.

Government and Farmers Respond

In response to the crisis, the Zimbabwean government, along with agricultural bodies and organizations, has urged farmers to take proactive measures to combat the pests. They have recommended using both chemical and biological control methods, such as spraying approved pesticides and introducing natural predators to help curb the armyworm population.

Additionally, farmers have been advised to monitor their crops closely, especially at night when armyworms are most active, and to work together in community groups to share information and resources on controlling the pests.

Despite these efforts, many farmers are frustrated by the additional costs and labor involved in combating the armyworm infestation. Farmers already struggling from the effects of drought are finding it increasingly difficult to finance pest control measures. Some have turned to community-based solutions, pooling resources to purchase pesticides or seeking support from NGOs and local government programs.

The Road Ahead for Zimbabwe’s Farmers

The ongoing battle with armyworms highlights the vulnerability of Zimbabwean farmers to environmental and biological challenges. As the country moves into the next planting season, farmers will face continued uncertainty, having already endured the economic and social repercussions of the drought.

For many, climate change has only intensified the struggles of farming, with unpredictable weather patterns, droughts, and pests making it harder to sustain agricultural production. As Zimbabwe looks for solutions to stabilize its agricultural sector, improving resilience to climate change, implementing better pest control practices, and enhancing access to agricultural support will be crucial in ensuring food security for the country.

The plight of farmers battling both drought and armyworm infestations underscores the need for strategic investment in agriculture to bolster Zimbabwe’s capacity to cope with climate variability and strengthen its agricultural resilience for the future. Until then, farmers continue to fight an uphill battle against pests that seem determined to compound their hardships.