International experts have gathered in Zimbabwe to find a solution to the outbreak of destructive armyworms that are damaging crops in several African countries.
The three day meeting in the capital Harare will try to come up with a comprehensive plan to stop the advancement of the caterpillars.
The Fall Armyworms are on the move in the Southern Africa region, advancing from Zambia downwards.
The worms are well known for their ability to destroy massive amounts of crops, in the manner of troops trampling over a countryside.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation has warned that the pests could cause widespread food shortages in regions that are already struggling with drought.
Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and South Africa are among the countries affected.
