A sharp drop in SA’s maize crop is expected‚ due to poor rainfall and fall armyworm. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) said on Friday that Southern Africa was being affected by prolonged dry spells‚ erratic rainfall‚ high temperatures and the presence of the fall armyworm‚ which have significantly dampened the current agricultural season’s cereal production prospects. Early action in the form of consolidating information through assessments, and anticipatory measures that reduce the impact of threats are crucial for an effective response.