Sustainable management of fall armyworm in smallholder farming: The role of a multi‐channel information campaign in Rwanda

In recent years, fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, has emerged as one of the most serious invasive species in many countries across Africa, Asia and Oceania. The pest is causing extensive damage to maize production intensification pesticide use. this paper, we examined effectiveness three mass-extension channels (plant health rallies, radio drama SMS) enhancing farmers' knowledge management FAW increasing productivity. Applying matching techniques data from 720 smallholder farmers 1077 plots Eastern Rwanda, found that exposure information significantly associated with increased outcomes, including correct identification use cultural practices first resort management. Moreover, showed positive effects on adoption environmentally friendly practices. Generally, treatment are larger for households exposed multiple (especially all) channels, indicating complementary channels. We also suggestive evidence yield increases ranging 10% 34%, depending channel. Overall, results imply multi-channel campaigns can be effective how identify sustainably manage pest. Our findings suggest while there a growing popularity digital extension approaches deliver timely cost-effective manner, much greater gains achieved if they combined other low-cost face-to-face methods, such plant rallies.