Government of Russia announces $3 million in aid for Desert Locust control in Kenya
NAIROBI: The Government of Russia has announced a contribution of $3 million (KSh 300 million) to Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to support Kenya’s response to the worst Desert Locust invasion in more than 70 years. The contribution is part of a larger Russian donation of $10 million to FAO to fund the Organization’s regional effort to address the catastrophic desert locust invasion in East Africa.
FAO has warned that the devastation at the beginning of the year that occurred in 28 counties in Kenya – where over 70,000 hectares of vegetation were destroyed by the pest. This could be multiplied by 20 times by a second wave brought about by recent rains which favour locust breeding. In Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia, widespread laying of eggs in a new cycle of reproduction represents an unprecedented threat to food security and livelihoods. Desert Locust are voracious feeders who decimate both food crops as well as the vegetation and pastures that pastoralists in East Africa depend on.
Threat to food security
Coming at the onset of long rains and the main planting season, ongoing locust reproduction presents a significant threat to the food security and the livelihoods of Kenyans who are also dealing with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and recent floods.
“Kenya is currently facing a very serious and complex challenge that combines COVID-19 pandemic–related health crisis exacerbated by the disruption of international cooperation and the continuing devastating locust invasion that threatens to undermine the nation’s food security. This situation requires a comprehensive response. We see Russia’s intervention as an input into the implementation of recent flash appeal by the UN for support in managing the effects of floods, the locust upsurge and COVID-19. Our support is an expression of Russia’s friendship to the people of Kenya and desire and determination to help Kenyans to overcome the unprecedented challenge” said the Ambassador of the Russian Federation in Kenya H.E Dmitry Maksimychev when announcing the contribution.
Desert Locust in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia, already unprecedented in their size and destructive potential - could swell exponentially and spill over into more countries in East Africa if efforts to deal with the voracious pest are not massively scaled up across the region.
“The UN in Kenya will continue to lead the coordination of development partner support to provide aggressive large-scale interventions. Farming communities in the country have already been impacted by extended droughts and we need to help them get back on their feet once the locusts and COVID-19 are gone," said UN Resident Coordinator to Kenya Siddharth Chatterjee.
World's most destructive migratory pest
Desert locusts are regarded as the world’s most destructive migratory pest. A swarm of just more than a third of a square mile can eat the same amount of food in one day as 35,000 people. As part of the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) for Kenya, reducing exposure to risk and creating resilience to disasters, the United Nations is assisting with forecasts, early warning and alerts on the timing, scale and location of locust invasions.
“FAO in Kenya is delighted about this contribution from the Government of the Russian Federation to support the Government of Kenya in the fight against the current devastating desert locust invasion. This is a big morale booster for our teams who are working tirelessly in the counties to safeguard food security by controlling locusts.” said Dr Tobias Takavarasha, FAO Representative in Kenya.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Macharia Kamau said, "This very generous assistance from the Russian Federation is both timely and indispensable in the pressing fight against desert locusts. Kenya today faces a dual threat of desert locusts and the COVID19 pandemic; these two predicaments are a perfect storm and that gravely threatens lives and livelihoods. This considerable support from our Russian friends shall not only save lives but is also a clear statement of friendship and solidarity that embodies our mutual commitment to expand our relations in all areas."
For more information
Contact
Lydia Limbe
Communication Specialist,
FAO Kenya.
Email: [email protected]