Zim braces for locusts threat
Sifelani Tsiko Agric Editor
Resources have been mobilised to minimise the effects of any invasion of the African migratory locust from Botswana and Namibia where outbreaks have been reported.
Shingirai Nyamutukwa, head of the Plant Quarantine and Plant Protection Research Services Institute yesterday said there was an alert following reports of a new round of locust outbreaks.
“Yes, it’s true that Namibia and Botswana are battling another wave of locust outbreaks. The locusts are in all stages from nymphs to adults. We’re keeping check on their control efforts so as to assess risks of invasion into Zimbabwe,” he said.
FAO and Belgium support Southern Africa in the fight against the African migratory locust
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Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe have been facing a serious outbreak of the African migratory locust (AML) (Locusta migratoria migratorioides) since May 2020. Damage to summer crops was limited as harvesting had already occurred. However, irrigated crops, winter crops and the next season of summer crops are now in jeopardy. About 1.1 million hectares have already been affected, according to the Food and Nutrition Security Working Group (FSNWG).
The AML is a transboundary pest capable of flying long distances and severely affecting crops, pastures as well as food security, nutrition and livelihoods. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), about 2.3 million people already facing acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3) are likely to be seriously impacted by AML in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia.