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By: Allen Paye Lablah /LAEJN Coordinator/ Contact: [email protected] | 0775919451 / 0880654603
Nimba County, Liberia – An alarming resurgence of Achaea catocaloides caterpillars has struck Nimba County, devastating over 100 cocoa farms across several farming communities in north-east Liberia. Local authorities and farmers are raising urgent appeals for immediate government and partner interventions to contain the outbreak before it escalates further.
The alarming development was confirmed by Nimba County Agriculture Coordinator, Mr. Jefferson D. Degon, during a recent briefing at the Ministry of Agriculture’s regional office.
According to Mr. Degon, the caterpillars are wreaking havoc across key cocoa-producing areas, including Gbor Zuoplay, Ganwin, Duo Kpala, Sangarplay, and Feaplay — communities located in Electoral Districts 2 and 4. He expressed grave concern over the widespread damage, noting that the pests are aggressively consuming the leaves, stems, and pods of cocoa plants, threatening the very survival of the crops.
“The Achaea caterpillars are highly destructive,” Degon warned. “If urgent interventions are not made, farmers risk losing their primary source of income, which would have devastating effects on their families and communities.”
Degon revealed that his office is actively seeking financial and logistical support from the Ministry of Agriculture’s central office in Monrovia to combat the outbreak. Preliminary assessments recommend an immediate and coordinated response to prevent the caterpillars from further decimating cocoa plantations and other food crops.
He further explained that the Achaea catocaloides are not only endangering crops but are also posing risks to the environment. “These pests are releasing harmful species that could contaminate nearby water sources,” he said, emphasizing the need for comprehensive pest control measures.
Farmers across the affected areas have raised alarms about the escalating situation. During an engagement with a cross-section of farmers in Gbor Zuoplay over the weekend, they passionately appealed for swift intervention from the Liberian government and its international partners, notably the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
“Our livelihoods are at stake,” said one farmer. “We rely heavily on cocoa farming to support our families, pay school fees, and sustain our communities. If the caterpillars are not controlled quickly, poverty will engulf our people.”
Responding to the urgent need for action, the Nimba County Administration, under the leadership of Superintendent Kou Meapeah Gone, has allocated an initial contribution of USD 3,000 to the Ministry of Agriculture’s local office. The fund is intended to support early response efforts to contain the infestation.
Degon outlined that part of the funding has already been utilized to procure four motorized sprayers, essential chemicals, and other tools necessary for combating the pests. He reassured farmers that the Agriculture Ministry, in collaboration with local and international partners, is committed to a full-scale intervention to save the cocoa farms.
“We have already initiated discussions with the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) to deploy technicians who will assess the full extent of the infestation and recommend additional steps,” Degon stated. “Our goal is to prevent the situation from escalating beyond control.”
He also recalled that a similar outbreak occurred in Lofa County a few months ago, where response efforts were delayed. He emphasized the need for a faster, more decisive action this time to avoid a repeat of the challenges experienced there.
As the crisis unfolds, the Agriculture Coordinator is encouraging all affected farmers to remain resilient. “We understand the pain this is causing, but I assure you that every effort is being made to address the situation and protect your farms,” Degon said.
The Achaea catocaloides caterpillar infestation is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of Liberia’s agriculture sector to pest outbreaks, and highlights the critical need for sustainable pest management strategies across farming communities.
