Semi-arid Purpose 2, Output SA203: "Improved methods for the management of principal insect pests of cereal-based cropping systems developed and promoted where they are a major constraint to production". Sorghum and pearl millet are the main subsistence food crops in eastern Botswana and throughout much of southern Africa. Both crops suffer sporadic serious damage due to Armoured Bush Cricket (ABC), principally Acanthoplus discoidalis. It was estimated that the 1990/91 ABC outbreak in Botswana resulted in 40% losses of sorghum in those regions affected (Bashir et al 1991), whilst total millet yield losses to ABC in Namibia during the 1993 outbreak was estimated at 30% (Wohlleber 1996). There is general concern amongst farmers in those countries affected that ABC outbreaks are becoming more frequent and more damaging when they do occur. Hence there is a need to develop measures that farmers can use to manage this pest and thereby reduce cereal crop losses. The outputs of this project should significantly improve farmers’ ability to manage this pest throughout the region, and thereby lead to improved food security and the alleviation of poverty.