Fall armyworm outbreak in Ghana: Review of multi-stakeholder response with CABI
The invasive pest, Fall armyworm (FAW, Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith), was confirmed as being present in Ghana in 2016. By 2017, research studies estimated significant losses in maize yield if management measures were not put in place.
In response to the outbreak, CABI, a not for profit, intergovernmental organisation supplying information and scientific expertise for agricultural and environmental issues, worked together with other stakeholders in Ghana, such as the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD) of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), to address the issue. A FAW management plan was developed by all the stakeholders that focused on four priority areas: coordination and collaboration; awareness-raising; monitoring and surveillance; and research and management. Most importantly, the national management plan aimed at ensuring coordinated efforts between public, private, and civil society organisations in the management of FAW.
In 2020, CABI conducted a review of the FAW response in Ghana to document the lessons learnt during the response and to investigate the readiness for a similar challenge in the near future. Using an Appreciative Inquiry lens, they harvested outcomes, held key informant interviews, and conducted a Sprockler inquiry. Outcomes harvested formed the basis for the design of the Sprockler inquiry. The Sprockler inquiry asked the different stakeholders, such as central and local government officials, farmers, researchers, input dealers and NGO representatives to share their experiences.
The results of the review can be found here. The report also includes key steps to ensure future preparedness for another outbreak.
More info:
- Visit the CABI website
- Contact Anne van Marwijk
