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Emergency response

Leading the fight against the Desert Locust

FAO’s emergency assistance to countries facing Desert Locust invasions is coordinated by FAO headquarters in Rome, lead by technical experts from the Plant Production and Protection Division and operational staff from the Emergency and Rehabilitation Division who work together to strengthen the capacity of national authorities to manage locust control campaigns.

FAO's Locust and Transboundary Plant Pests & Diseases Group works closely with the three regional locust commissions:
- FAO Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in the Western Region (CLCPRO)
- FAO Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in the Central Region (CRC)
- FAO Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in Southwest Asia Region (SWAC)

A regular dialogue is maintained with the international donor community. Priorities for assistance are based on information provided daily by National Locust Control Units and Plant Protection Services, supplemented by reports from FAO’s country representatives and advice from FAO consultants in the field.

Locust control projects are developed and implemented using donor funds that provide inputs including pesticides, equipment, environmental monitoring and technical advice. Bilateral assistance to affected countries is monitored to coordinate inputs and avoiding duplication of effort.

Aerial operations in Senegal. (© FAO)