The scientific name of fall armyworm (FAW) is Spodoptera frugiperde. it is native to central and southern America. But it is also found in north America. The insect is polyphagous and feeds more than eighty plant species including important food crops such as sorghum and maize. The insect was detected in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria in 2016 and spread very rapidly to all Sub-Saharan Africa including Somalia. FAW causes most of the damage at the larva stage and it is very difficult to control if it in the whorl of maize plant. If it not managed properly the FAW can cause severe damage and can cause complete crop loss.
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