Perceptions, challenges and determinants of management strategy choices for combating fall armyworm ( <scp> <i>Spodoptera frugiperda</i> </scp> ) infestation in Ghana

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND This study assessed the perceptions and management strategy choices of maize farmers in Ghana towards fall armyworm (FAW) infestation, which poses a severe threat to their livelihoods, and examined the factors influencing farmers' adoption of FAW management strategies. RESULTS All respondents demonstrated high awareness of FAW, with 98% reporting devastating effects on their farms. FAW affected an average of 30% of maize farmland, with farmers losing an estimated 536 kg ha −1 , representing approximately 27% of expected maize yield. A significant knowledge gap persists in effective control measures, as indicated by a mean perception index of 0.21, reflecting farmers' limited understanding of effective FAW management strategies. Relative to biological/botanical and traditional pest management strategies, farmers largely perceive synthetic pesticides to be the ideal solution, with 42% strongly agreeing and 25% agreeing with this view. Factors significantly influencing control measure choice included age, gender, household size, labour, household head status, farm size, farm experience and non‐farm income. The most pressing challenge with FAW management was difficulty in accessing synthetic control measures. CONCLUSION Pest control practices vary significantly across agroecological zones, suggesting the need for region‐specific strategies. Despite high awareness of FAW, farmers lacked adequate knowledge of effective control strategies, with many applying pesticides based on hearsay rather than expert recommendations. These findings underscore the need for targeted training programs focused on improving farmers' understanding and adoption of integrated, sustainable FAW management practices, while addressing the misguided perception that synthetic pesticides are inherently superior. © 2026 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley &amp; Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.