By 
By Delisa Thwala
A devastating invasion of African armyworms has been reported across Eswatini, leaving farmers and rural communities anxious about the destruction of grazing lands and small plants.
The outbreak, believed to be linked to extreme weather conditions, has been confirmed in multiple regions, with experts warning that swift intervention is necessary to curb its impact.
The African armyworm (Umgundzatjani), named for its tendency to move in large, coordinated groups like an army, is a dark green caterpillar with distinctive white stripes.
Known for its rapid multiplication, the pest has already devoured large patches of grassland and small plants in several communities, raising concerns among both livestock owners and subsistence farmers.
RELATED: EWADE drives resettled farmers to commercial maize success
Reports indicate that the infestation has been recorded in multiple areas, including Hhohho, Manzini, Lubombo, and Shiselweni.
In affected regions, residents describe waking up to find entire fields stripped bare overnight, with the worms marching relentlessly from one grazing area to another.
Samkelo Dube, Indvuna Yenkhundla of Motshane, one of the hardest-hit areas, confirmed that residents have been alarmed by the speed at which the armyworms are spreading.
“Our elders have told us that this is not the first time the armyworms have invaded Eswatini, but for our generation, it is a first. It is shocking to see how fast they multiply, and we are not sure how to contain them,” Dube said.
A similar situation has been reported in the Lowveld, where farmers in Big Bend and surrounding areas are concerned about their livestock’s food supply.
Many rely on natural pastures for cattle grazing, and the destruction of grasslands could lead to food shortages for livestock in the coming months.
In Lubombo, residents of Siteki and surrounding rural settlements have also sounded the alarm, reporting swathes of land being destroyed within days.
Sifiso Shongwe, a community leader in Ekupheleni under Motshane, confirmed that while the infestation has so far been limited to grazing lands, there is growing concern that the pests may soon reach residential areas and subsistence farms.
“At first, we only noticed them in the bush, but now they are inching closer to homes. It’s worrying because we don’t know where they will stop,” Shongwe stated.
Following widespread reports of the infestation, the Ministry of Agriculture has urged calm, assuring the public that while the armyworms are destructive, their impact on major crops may be minimal.
Ministry of Agriculture Communications Officer Nomvuselelo Dlamini acknowledged the outbreak, stating that it has been exacerbated by shifting weather patterns due to climate change.
She explained that while the worms mainly target young plants and grass, precautionary measures are still necessary to control their spread.
“We want to emphasize that the usage of chemicals should be the last resort. Some pesticides are highly toxic and could have long-term environmental consequences. Instead, we encourage affected communities to use milder insecticides, such as Super Matrine, which is less harmful to the ecosystem,” she said.
Dlamini also suggested alternative control methods, including ploughing furrows between the worms and cultivated land to trap them and allowing natural predators such as birds and chickens to consume the pests.
RELATED: Bee farmers are stranded with honey, no market
For farmers in affected regions, the armyworm outbreak has added to an already difficult season marked by erratic rainfall and fluctuating temperatures.
Many livestock owners fear that the loss of grazing pastures will drive up the cost of animal feed, putting additional financial strain on rural households.
“We rely on natural grazing land to feed our cattle. If the grass is gone, we will be forced to buy feed, which is already expensive. This could lead to major losses for farmers,” said Mlungisi Dlamini, a livestock owner in Mankayane.
Meanwhile, small-scale farmers growing vegetables and other subsistence crops worry that the invasion could worsen food insecurity, particularly in rural communities where self-sustenance farming is common.
Worth mentioning the crisis is not unique to Eswatini. Neighbouring Zimbabwe is also battling a similar outbreak, with The Herald reporting that at least 25 districts have been affected.
Experts link the infestation to shifting climate patterns, with higher temperatures and unpredictable rainfall creating favourable breeding conditions for the pests.
Agricultural experts warn that if such outbreaks become more frequent, the country must invest in long-term pest control strategies, including better monitoring systems and environmentally friendly interventions.
As the armyworms continue their destructive march across the country, residents and farmers are urged to remain vigilant and report any new infestations to agricultural authorities.
