It was first detected in Nigeria in January 2016. Two years later, it had spread to practically all of sub-Saharan Africa, with the exception of 10 mostly northern countries and territories. The FAO took immediate steps to tackle the insect in Africa and to support countries in mitigating the damage it caused. The agency has supported more than 30 projects on the continent to fight the pest, which can eat dozens of crop species, including maize, rice, vegetables, groundnuts and cotton. Hans Dreyer, Director of FAO's Plant Production and Protection Division, believes the action taken in Africa can also benefit Asia.