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Sociology of Agriculture and Food (SAFRIG)

Effects of Fall Armyworm Infestation on Maize Production and Coping Strategies of Smallholder Farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria. Felicia Wole-Alo*, Felicia Wole-Alo, Foluso Ojo, Kehinde Ogunjinmi,

This study investigated the effects of Fall Armyworm (FAW) infestation on maize production among smallholder farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria. A total of 120 farmers were selected using a multiple-stage sampling procedure, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire across Ido, Lagelu, and Egbeda Local Government Areas. The findings revealed that 95% of respondents were affected by FAW infestation, with reduction in yield (mean = 2.78) and damage to maize tassels (mean = 2.79) as the major effects on maize plants. Farmers incurred additional costs to control the pest (mean = 2.77), contributing to reduced household income. Analysis of maize yield showed a substantial decline following FAW infestation, with 90.8% of respondents harvesting between 0–4,049 kg, placing most farmers in the lowest yield category.

The mean maize yield decreased from 1.42 kg/ha (SD = 1.14) before infestation to 1.19 kg/ha (SD = 0.69) after infestation, and a paired-sample t-test confirmed that this reduction was statistically significant, t(119) = 3.628, p < 0.0001, representing an average yield loss of 16.2%. This indicates that FAW infestation significantly constrained maize productivity and exerted a relatively uniform negative effect across farmers. These findings align with Shiferaw et al. (2013), who reported that FAW is a major threat to food security in developing countries.

Farmers’ coping strategies included the use of pesticides, local pest management practices, and knowledge-sharing within communities. To mitigate the impact of FAW, the study recommends integrated pest management (IPM), early detection and monitoring systems, and the distribution of FAW-resistant and tolerant maize varieties through research institutions and extension services.

Keywords: Fall Armyworm, Agriculture, Food Security, Integrated Pest Management, Livelihood, Rural Communities, Smallholder Farmers