Spodoptera frugiperda, the fall armyworm (FAW), has become a major pest of maize since its
appearance in Burkina Faso in 2017 requiring appropriate emergency response. A survey was
conducted with 161 maize farmers from 9 regions and 48 villages in the Sudano-Sahelian and Sudanese
agro-climatic zones, the main maize-growing areas in Burkina Faso to collect their perceptions. For this
purpose, a questionnaire designed on the Open Data Kit (ODK) mobile platform was administered to
them individually. 96% of the farmers considered FAW the main current biotic constraint to maize
cultivation. Most of them (98%) declared they could recognize the pest even though 60% had not
received any training on the pest identification. Production losses caused by FAW range from 25 to 50%
each year for 91% of the respondents. More farmers (90%) systematically use chemicals, notably
Emacot 50WG (Emamectin benzoate 50 g/kg) against the pest. Unfortunately, 96% of users do not take
any appropriate personal protective measures, while more than half (59%) have experienced adverse
health effects. These results contribute to the implementation of a better FAW control strategy. It is also
recommended that an effective national surveillance and early warning system be set up to better
manage other such pests.

Spodoptera frugiperda, perception survey, maize farmers, pest control, chemicals, health