UN agencies secure 3 mln USD to fight Fall armyworm

JUBA, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Two UN agencies said on Wednesday that they have secured 3 million U.S. dollars to fight Fall armyworm, an insect that destroys crops.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Program (WFP) together with South Sudan's Ministry of agriculture and food security said in a joint statement issued in Juba that the fund will support a project assisting local authorities and farmers in affected areas.

Serge Tissot, FAO Country Representative in South Sudan, said the funding is able to bring its global and regional expertise on pest management to the world's youngest nation.

"Since Fall armyworm was first detected in Africa in early 2016, our world-renowned experts have developed integrated pest management strategies for affected countries and have trained experts in over 30 countries to enable response," Tissot said.

He said FAO will coordinate and lead the implementation of its global Fall armyworm strategy in South Sudan, where farmer education and community action are critical elements to manage insect populations sustainably and cost effectively.

The project seeks to train farmers to combat the spread of Fall armyworm, strengthen food security and build the resilience of local communities in affected areas.

The two UN agencies will work together to give local authorities and farmers in affected areas training to address Fall armyworm.

WFP said it will capitalize on its extensive field presence and access to communities to protect their assets such as crops and enhance capacities to manage Fall armyworm infestation.

WFP Country Director Adnan Khan said the timely contribution allows the two agencies to combine forces with the ministry of agriculture to combat Fall armyworm and build resilience to shocks.

"In addition, families whose crops suffered will receive vital food support at this difficult time," Khan said.

South Sudan experienced famine early this year but the UN cautioned that while conditions have eased, some 4.8 million people across the country are experiencing severe food insecurity -- 1.4 million more than at the same time last year. Enditem