The Republic of Korea contributes to FAO’s effort in preparing countries of West Africa and the Sahel for potential desert locust invasion from East Africa

A USD 1 million  contribution from the Republic of Korea will support efforts undertaken by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on a “no regret” basis to help five member countries of its Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust (CLCPRO) in West Africa and the Sahel – Chad , Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Burkina Faso – prepare themselves and anticipate for a potential invasion of the desert locust from East Africa.

The contribution will strengthen the capacities of national governments, farmers and pastoralists with effective pest surveillance, forecasting, as well as early warning and early action activities. By providing equipment such as drones, vehicles, Personal Protective Equipment and cash interventions, countries will be able to promptly detect potential locust swarm infestations and control them before they spread across the region.

“Strengthening communities in monitoring and responding to desert locust by using new technologies and partnership will help preparing countries to mitigate the effects in case of a locust invasion,” said Coumba Sow, FAO’s Resilience Coordinator for West Africa and the Sahel. “Thanks to the Republic of Korea, we will be able to safeguard the food security and livelihoods of vulnerable families in West Africa and the Sahel. This is truly anticipating and building resilience in case of shocks.”