Summary
This narrative review consolidates current evidence on the major pests and weeds threatening cereal production (maize, rice, wheat, millet and sorghum) across Sub-Saharan Africa, documenting substantial and variable yield losses ranging from 21–53% for fall armyworm to up to 100% from Striga infestation. The authors argue that intensifying climate change through drought and flooding will likely exacerbate these threats, and present the synthesis to inform evidence-based pest and weed management policy and practice in African cereal systems.
Regional applicability
Whilst the review focuses on Sub-Saharan African cereal systems, some pests discussed (e.g. fall armyworm) are increasingly present in temperate regions including the UK due to climate change, making the management strategies and ecological knowledge presented relevant for UK agricultural policy and practice adaptation.
Key measures
Percentage yield losses attributed to specific pests and weeds; prevalence of infestations; geographic distribution of threats across Sub-Saharan African cereal systems
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises evidence on major pests (fall armyworm, stem borers, granivorous birds, rodents) and weeds (Striga spp., Imperata cylindrica) threatening cereal production across Sub-Saharan Africa, documenting yield losses and projecting intensification under climate change.
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