Activities
- Locust Rearing
- Reduced Dosage Technologies
- Analysis of Current Practices
- Operator Monitoring
- Monitoring Domestic Animals
- Environmental Impact
- The Use of GPS
- DGPS Track Guidance Systems
- Data Management
- Novel Spraying Platforms
- Physical Model
- Biological Model
Project Organisation and Facilities
The project functions under the EMPRES (Desert Locust) programme, which is a Special Programme of the Director General of FAO, and is designed to strengthen early warning, early intervention and research in Desert Locust affected countries. A Central Region component of the EMPRES programme has been fully operational in the field since 1997; the Western Africa component is due to be operational in 2001. For more information on the EMPRES programme, click on the link.
The project contributes to the overall EMPRES programme by undertaking research into, and development of, improved spraying practices, related both to novel equipment and also to systems of pesticide use.
The project works extremely closely with the Centre de Lutte Antiacridienne (CLAA), whose head is the official project counterpart. The CLAA is the government organisation charged with responsibility for survey and control of Desert Locust in Mauritania. Extensive interaction between project staff and CLAA staff at all levels ensures that the research and development undertaken is of direct relevance to control operations. It is expected that methods developed through this collaboration will be applicable to Desert Locust control anywhere that this pest occurs. The project has initiated the process of extending the results to other countries.
The project is backstopped by Dr Clive Elliott, FAO Locust and Other Migratory Pests Group based in Rome. Local administrative support is provided by the FAO Representative to Mauritania.
The project is based in Nouakchott, and has one of the largest Desert Locust rearing facilities in the world, capable of producing thousands of insects each month which are used in research activities. All food for the insect rearing is produced in the grounds of the project building.
In addition to the locust rearing facility, the project also has a well equipped laboratory used for testing insecticides, and for laboratory analysis of simulated pesticide deposits (using fluorimetry). The project also has the latest computer and communications equipment.
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GCP/INT/651/NOR A project funded by Norway and executed by FAO |
