Paul F. Hamza, Arzlan Abbas, Peter Ketting, Kayvan Etebari
Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda , is a highly invasive pest that threatens crop production and rural livelihoods, particularly in maize-based systems. Using a two-way learning lens, we compare how Ghana and Australia prepared for, detected and responded to FAW, with the aim of identifying practices that can be transferred across settings and constraints that limit what can be adopted. The analysis synthesises peer-reviewed studies alongside policy, programme and technical documents, including grey literature from government and international partners and organises findings across the invasion continuum from preparedness and detection to response and longer-term management. Australia’s response sits within a nationally coordinated biosecurity system with established legal frameworks, structured decision-making for emergency plant pests and strong diagnostic and extension capability. Even so, FAW established in Australia in 2020 and the national response moved quickly from prevention and eradication assessment to ongoing management. Ghana’s response has been more decentralised and community-based, relying heavily on farmer reporting, extension services and development of partner support. However, in Ghana, uneven surveillance coverage, limited diagnostic and data systems and slower early national coordination reduced the scope for consistent containment in the initial phase and contributed to sustained reliance on chemical control. Comparisons across both countries point to practical priorities for improving preparedness and reducing downstream impacts on production and food system stability. These priorities include stronger early-warning and reporting pathways, as well as clearer escalation triggers for rapid mobilisation of resources for pest management. They also include sustained support for integrated pest management programmes to reduce insecticide resistance, use of biological control and local research capacity.