none Pear millet, sorghum, maize and cowpea are important food crops in dryland areas of the Sahel. Losses caused by insects on these low input crops are variable but generally substantial. Basic information on the role of natural enemies is scant. An example of a recent applied research which is mainly directed towards the management of millet earhead caterpillar, Raghuva albipunctella Joannis is narrated. Results of a study initiated on conservation and encouragement of Bracon hebetor Say against Raghuva in a traditional village environment are highlighted.