To this end, the Commission has always worked to strengthen this activity in member countries. As a first step, it launched a training program for high-level researchers, which led to the creation of national locust research units. It then contributed to equipping these units and encouraging their activities. 

Operational research is one of the key objectives of CLCPRO and the EMPRES-RO program. A planning scheme has been drawn up and implemented to improve existing Desert Locust detection and control methods, and to develop and test alternatives to conventional pesticides. 

A number of research activities have been carried out and/or are underway as part of doctoral theses and post-graduate dissertations.