Caterpillar outbreak hits several towns in Nimba

Caterpillars invade towns in Nimba, destroying crops and wells.

By: S. Matthew M. Quoi Jr., Nimba County

Nimba, Liberia, April 25, 2025—The Agriculture Coordinator of Nimba County, Mr. Jefferson D. Degon, is alarmed over a serious outbreak of Achaea catocaloides caterpillars in several towns, including Zoe-Play, Gbor Sangaplay, Duo Kpalah, and Ganwin.

According to Mr. Degon, the Achaea catocaloides, a moth species in Liberia since 2020, has become a recurring issue. He stated that the caterpillar outbreak has occurred annually in Nimba, Bong, and Lofa counties. 

This year, the pest appeared briefly in Lofa County, but the situation was not as severe as what is currently being experienced in Nimba.

The outbreak entered Nimba just a day before the senatorial by-election, with Zuoplay being the first town affected. The infestation has since spread to Gbor Sangaplay, Duo Kpalah, and Ganwin, affecting more than 100 cocoa farmers.

Mr. Degon emphasized the destructive nature of the Achaea catocaloides larvae, which typically feed on various trees but can become severe pests on essential agricultural crops such as cocoa, coffee, citrus, plantain, banana, and cassava. The caterpillars can cause major defoliation and agricultural losses.

A similar outbreak occurred between 2008 and 2009 in the Liberia-Guinea border region, prompting the Liberian government to declare a state of emergency due to contamination of local water sources by caterpillar feces.

Although the Ministry of Agriculture is yet to respond to the current outbreak, Mr. Degon has urged the government to act swiftly, noting the growing threat to farmers’ livelihoods and the local economy. He advised farmers to avoid drinking water from wells located in cocoa farms or any sources potentially contaminated by the caterpillars.

Despite absence of national government’s intervention, Mr. Degon praised efforts of the Nimba County Lower Administration, led by Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono, for donating US$3,500 to aid the fight against the caterpillar outbreak.

He also appealed to citizens and prominent individuals from Nimba County to unite in tackling the crisis, emphasizing that many farmers have been unable to work due to the infestation, which is drawing serious public concern.

The Achaea catocaloides moth, first described by Achille Guenée in 1952, is found across tropical Africa and is known by various local names in the Congo region, where its larvae are sometimes consumed and sold in markets. Editing by Jonathan Browne