 |
||||
Tackling the locust scourge in the Near East and North Africa
Locust swarms appeared in the Sudan in June 1993 and cut a swath of destruction westwards across the continent. FAO issued warnings and forecasts, but many countries were caught unprepared. Major control operations were carried out in Mauritania, again with FAO funding until donor assistance could be organized. FAO also provided technical assistance to Mali, the Niger, Chad, Senegal, the Gambia and Guinea-Bissau, as these countries were invaded from the east. As a result, the locust situation in the Sahel area is currently under control. However, in Madagascar, a dangerous infestation - the largest in 40 years - is causing serious damage to crops and vegetation. FAO is coordinating emergency assistance and mobilizing funds to suppress the swarms.
|
In 1992 the desert locust began to reproduce in great
numbers in East Africa. International assistance was immediately requested, and FAO
released funds to help fill the gap until donors could respond. Despite the quick
reaction, in early 1993 locust swarms crossed the Red Sea, invading Saudi Arabia
and Yemen. FAO sent experts to help organize and carry out large-scale aerial control,
which was extended to Oman, Pakistan and India as the locusts spread during the summer.