The United Republic of Tanzania is advancing sustainable pest management through the deployment of indigenous biological control agents to combat Fall Armyworm, a pest that has caused over USD 300 million in agricultural losses since its arrival in the country. With support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), scientists and national institutions introduced locally sourced fungal and wasp-based biocontrol solutions that significantly reduce pest damage, improve maize yields, and safeguard both environmental and human health.
This initiative was highlighted at the 19th FAO Subregional Multi-Disciplinary Team Meeting for Southern Africa, marking a significant milestone in green agriculture and the transformation of sustainable food systems.
Fall Armyworm has severely impacted maize production across Tanzania, threatening food security and rural livelihoods. Initially, many farmers relied on chemical pesticides, raising concerns about environmental health, food safety, and international trade compliance. To reduce dependence on chemicals, Tanzania prioritized biological pest management solutions that leverage local biodiversity and align with global sustainability commitments.
Through technical backing from FAO, Tanzania identified two native biological control agents—Trichogramma mwanzai, a parasitic wasp, and Aspergillus oryzae, a beneficial fungus. These agents were rigorously evaluated through laboratory studies and multi-location field trials in collaboration with the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority and Sokoine University of Agriculture. FAO provided critical equipment and funding to strengthen national capacity for mass production and trial implementation. Participatory field trials engaged farmers and extension officers, ensuring practical knowledge transfer and community ownership for large-scale deployment.
Field evaluations demonstrated more than an 80 percent reduction in Fall Armyworm infestation and a 45 percent increase in maize yield when using the biocontrol agents. These results highlight the potential of native biodiversity to provide highly effective and environmentally responsible pest control. Beyond improving farm productivity, the initiative has enhanced Tanzania’s institutional and technical capabilities in biological control, setting the stage for reduced chemical pesticide reliance and improved food safety standards.
To scale these solutions, Tanzania is advancing harmonized regulatory frameworks and fostering public-private partnerships for commercial-level mass production and distribution. With the pests and control agents present across multiple agro-ecological zones, the approach is positioned for nationwide expansion and regional knowledge transfer. Strengthened regulatory support, private-sector engagement, and continued capacity building will ensure sustained impact and adoption across the region.
By replacing chemical interventions with nature-based solutions and reinforcing farmer-centered innovation, Tanzania is creating safer, greener, and more resilient food systems while supporting climate-smart agriculture and sustainable international trade.
