FAMEWS

A tool to record observations of the fall armyworm

The FAW Monitoring and Early Warning System (FAMEWS) is a free mobile application from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for the real-time global monitoring of the Fall Armyworm (FAW). This multi-lingual tool allows farmers, communities, extension agents and others to record standardized field data whenever they scout a field or check pheromone traps for FAW. Data from the app provides valuable insights on how FAW changes over time with ecology, to improve knowledge of its behaviour and guide best management practices. All collected data are used by FAO, countries and partners to map and monitor current infestations. The app is designed to expand with the evolving needs of farmers, analysts and decision-makers, and can be used anywhere in the world.

Fall Armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda), is an insect pest of more than 80 plant species. The larval stage of the insect causes damage to economically important cultivated cereals such as maize, rice, sorghum, and also to vegetable crops and cotton. The pest is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. It was first detected in Central and Western Africa in early 2016 and has quickly spread across virtually all of sub-Saharan Africa. Because of trade and the moth's strong flying ability, it has the potential to spread further. Maize is the most infested crop in Africa.