Status and management strategies of major insect pests and fungal diseases of maize in Africa: A review

The escalating populations in Africa contribute to the already existing challenge of food insecurity, which is further exacerbated by emergence and resurgence pests diseases, resulting substantial annual yield losses. Maize, a vital staple crop sub-Saharan Africa, serves as crucial source, animal fodder, raw material for industries. Nonetheless, its vulnerability diseases puts significant pressure on crop. Consequently, extensive losses experienced during pre post-harvest stages due insect fungal constitute grave menace security. Managing these destructive sustainable manner complex task that necessitates collaboration at regional global levels. Notable examples highly damaging maize include spotted stem borer, black beetle, African stalk fall armyworm, ear rot, grey leaf spot. Thus, this review examines economic implications management practices used SSA. It offers recommendations enhancement, coordination, adoption integrated pest disease approaches scale. study’s findings aim support ongoing research efforts focused crops, benefiting Agricultural entomologists, plant pathologists, breeders, other stakeholders worldwide. Key words: pests, management.