by TINTSWALO BALOYI
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – THE Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is leveraging innovative technology to fight the outbreak of desert locust in the continent.
This is part of a coordinated regional response as North and West Africa experience outbreaks.
Countries under the FAO Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in the Western Region (CLCPRO) – Algeria, Burkina Faso, Chad, Gambia, Libya, Mali, Morocco, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal and Tunisia- have convened to update their contingency plans, coordinate operational procedures and mobilise essential financial, logistical and human resources.
The regional response to desert locust threats is characterised by technological innovations, strengthened cooperation and improved early warning systems.
Member countries are enhancing their technical capabilities, focusing on the use of digital tools such as eLocust3.
eLocust3 is the current version of the eLocust series that allows national survey and control officers in locust-affected countries to record and transmit data in real-time via satellite from the field to their national locust centres.
Emphasis in North and West Africa is placed on conducting control operations in line with the highest environmental and human health standards.
The regional plan includes strategic pre-positioning of pesticide stocks using a triangulation system, early deployment of ground survey and control teams, and activation of emergency response mechanisms, including the Regional Intervention Force (FIRO).
These efforts aim to protect agricultural fields, grazing lands, and livelihoods from the potentially devastating impact of locust infestations.
“Every day gained in preparedness is a harvest saved on the ground,” said Khaled Moumène, FAO locust expert.
An influx of locusts is the latest threat to food security in affected countries, adding to the impact of climate change.
– CAJ News