
In Malawi, the vast majority of people live in rural areas, and 97 percent of them depend on farming — primarily maize cultivation —for their livelihoods.
Maize is not just a staple food; it’s the backbone of food security. Yet, this vital crop faces a growing threat: the fall armyworm.
This invasive pest has wreaked havoc on maize production, contributing to up to 70 percent of crop losses. Any significant decline in maize yields spells disaster for food availability—and hunger becomes inevitable.
The fall armyworm is notoriously resistant to most pesticides. So, could genetically modified (GM) maize be the solution?