
The Desert Locust Commission, established under FAO's Article XIV, was endorsed in 1965 and came into effect on 21 February 1967. Renamed in 1994 as the Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in the Central Region (CRC). The CRC comprises 17 member countries: Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. It coordinates locust control efforts, maintains emergency reserves, strengthens national capacities, and supports research to combat locust outbreaks, within the most critical breeding habitats of Desert Locust.
Highlights
CRC Participates in the 15th International Congress of Orthopterology (ICO2026) in Argentina
12/03/2026
The Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in the Central Region (CRC) actively participated in the 15th International Congress of Orthopterology,...
Makkah (Saudi Arabia)
National training course on desert locust survey, detection, and information collection
19/04/2026 - 23/04/2026
This event aims to strengthen national capacities in survey planning, early detection, and field data collection using standard tools (e.g. eLocust)....
Desert Locust Bulletin No. 569 - February 2026
06/03/2026
BREEDING RESUMED IN THE WESTERN OUTBREAK. In February, the serious outbreak continued in Western Sahara and southern Morocco. Immature adult groups...
Multimedia
Use of drones for desert locust control operations (Second field trial)
11/11/2025
Second field trial on the use of drones for desert locust control operations, conducted in Sur, Sultanate of Oman, in April 2025, showcasing innovative...
Specialized training on the“Use of Drones in Desert Locust Control”
28/01/2026
The first interregional training course on the use of drones (Micron U16) for ultra-low volume (ULV) pesticide application in desert locust control...
The use and maintenance of Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) sprayers for locust control operation
30/10/2025
A regional workshop on sprayer maintenance and repair was held in Ismailia, Egypt, from 23 to 27 February 2025. The workshop aimed to enhance the skills...
Publications
Towards sustainable locust management
20/10/2025
The Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in the Central Region (CRC) remains steadfast in its commitment to environmental sustainability and...
Ultra-low volume handheld sprayer (passive drift)
30/01/2023
The desert locust is one of the most dangerous insect pests worldwide, causing major damage to agricultural crops and natural pastures. Control operations...
Desert locust research activities in the Central Region Commission
17/12/2024
Since its establishment in 1967, the CRC’s primary mission has been to coordinate and support the efforts of its member countries in monitoring, forecasting,...
Events
4/5
2026
8/5
2026
ULV sprayers maintenance training
Sukkur (Pakistan), 04/05/2026 - 08/05/2026
This event aims to enhance technical capacity in the maintenance, calibration, and safe operation of ULV sprayers. It focuses on improving equipment performance and lifespan, reducing operational downtime, and strengthening technical maintenance capacity.
27/4
2026
30/4
2026
Headquarters Visit of the Executive Secretaries of the Desert Locust Control Commissions (Central and Western Regions)
Metropolitan City of Rome Capital (Italy), 27/04/2026 - 30/04/2026
This event aims to strengthen strategic coordination between the Commissions and FAO, and to align on regional priorities and resource mobilization. It focuses on defining agreed strategic directions, reinforcing governance and coordination mechanisms, and enhancing dialogue on resource mobilization.
26/4
2026
30/4
2026
National training course on desert locust survey and control
Ismailia (Egypt), 26/04/2026 - 30/04/2026
This event aims to build national capacity in integrated survey and control operations, including field practices and safety measures. It focuses on improving operational readiness, strengthening control techniques and environmental health and safety (EHS) compliance, and enhancing field coordination.
19/4
2026
23/4
2026
National training course on desert locust survey, detection, and information collection
Makkah (Saudi Arabia), 19/04/2026 - 23/04/2026
This event aims to strengthen national capacities in survey planning, early detection, and field data collection using standard tools (e.g. eLocust). It focuses on improving the technical skills of survey teams, enhancing the quality and timeliness of field data reporting, and reinforcing early warning capacities.
9/4
2026
16/4
2026
CLCPRO regional training for expert survey officers on survey techniques in locust control
Tunisia (Tunisia), 09/04/2026 - 16/04/2026
This event aims to enhance the technical expertise of survey officers and promote harmonized survey methodologies across the region. It supports the adoption of standardized survey approaches, strengthens inter-regional collaboration, and improves operational coordination.
Current situation: Caution
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Contact
Executive Secretary
Mamoon Alsarai Alalawi
Address
FAO CENTRAL REGION
FAORNE
11 El Eslah El Zerai st., Dokki -
Cairo, Egypt
P.O. Box 2223
Dokki- Cairo, Egypt
+202 33316000 Ext. (2516)