The Russian Federation contributes $ 1 million to FAO to combat Desert Locust in South Sudan
The Russian Federation has contributed to enhancing the fight against Desert Locust in South Sudan with $ 1 million donation to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The Honorary Consul of Russia Ahmed Nur, the FAO Representative in South Sudan, Malo Meshack and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Josephine Lagu met today in Juba to sign the arrangement. The contribution is part of Russia’s $ 10 million donation to FAO in support of operations to control and fight the Desert Locust invasion in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan.
"We thank the Russian Federation for joining our efforts in combating the disastrous impacts of the Desert Locust on food security and livelihoods of South Sudanese,” said Meshack Malo. “These funds will help us continue our surveillance and control operations despite constraints resulting from COVID-19 and other challenges.”
Russia’s funds, that will be used to purchase pesticide, fuel, vehicles, sprayers and for the employment and training of personnel, come at a critical time for South Sudan. In fact, a further increase in locust swarms is likely to continue as the ongoing rainy season not only provides livelihoods for farmers and pastoralists but also favourable conditions for locusts to breed.
"The Russian Federation is pleased to provide this funding to FAO, working in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, to help South Sudan overcome the crisis of the Desert Locust invasion. This is an expression of Russia's solidarity with Africa's youngest nation, and a key part of Russia's regional efforts to provide assistance to counter the potentially catastrophic effects of the Desert Locust on crop production and food security in East Africa," said Ahmed Nur.
East Africa is experiencing its largest invasion of Desert Locusts in decades. During the past week, a significant increase in swarm activity in Kenya and Ethiopia is exacerbating the food security situation in the region. In South Sudan, the first large swarms invaded Eastern Equatoria last February followed by other waves of locusts coming from Uganda. The situation remains alarming as swarms and hopper bands increase due to hatching of eggs laid earlier in bordering countries. These new hoppers are forming swarms that could continue moving to South Sudan in May and June. This represents an unprecedented threat to food security and as it coincides with the ongoing planting season, the main agricultural season for the country.
FAO is working hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and partners in a race against time to safeguard people’s livelihoods and food security. Through the High-Level Desert Locust Task Force, FAO and the Government are ensuring effective control of new invasions through timely intervention and response.
So far, FAO has received $ 7 million in donations from national governments, foundations and other organizations but there is a shortfall of $ 3 million. Urgent and upscaled support is still needed to supply appropriate equipment and pesticides but also in livelihood support activities.
Russia's funding will be crucial in containing the spread of the Desert Locusts and mitigating their impact on food security and livelihoods in South Sudan.
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