FAO hands over the Desert Locust Information Office to Kenya
Nairobi-Kenya: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) today handed over the Desert Locust Information Office (DLIO) to the Government of Kenya. The DLIO will serve as the key monitoring and early warning tool in responding to desert locust upsurges in Kenya and possibly the region.
It will operate as an early warning system by monitoring weather, ecological conditions and locust infestations in the affected areas. Speaking during the handover, the Food and Agriculture Organization Representative to Kenya Carla Mucavi said Kenya has come a long way since the initial Desert Locust wave in 2020.
“Kenya now has a wealth of experience and expertise in Desert Locust survey and control since the first wave in 2019. This Desert Locust Information Office is the next step in supporting the Government of Kenya in being vigilant in the event of another invasion.”
How FAO has supported Kenya since the first invasion
Since the first Desert Locust invasion in 2019 - the worst invasion seen in Kenya had seen in 70 years - FAO has supported the Government of Kenya’s response on survey and control measures. A total of 770 scouts drawn from 17 counties were trained and engaged during the campaign Survey aircraft covered a total distance of 238,621 kilometers while aerial control equipment treated 35,872 hectares.
The idea to work with National Youth Servicemen for ground control was hailed globally, as they were instrumental in curbing the breeding of Desert Locust. The 500 National Youth Servicemen controlled a total of 7,287 hectares. In the effort to build capacity for future Desert Locust control, FAO trained 22 Young Professionals on various aspects of Desert Locust management.
‘We are very grateful to FAO’s support in responding to the Desert Locust emergency, from capacity building to sourcing the necessary equipment and resources needed,” said Prof Hamadi Boga, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Fisheries and Cooperatives, who received the Desert Locust Information Office.
Current Horn of Africa situation
As of 17 May 2021, hatching was detected in eastern Ethiopia and northwest Somalia where swarms have been laying eggs since late April. The hatchlings are forming small hopper bands that so far have been seen in a few places. More hatching and band formation are expected throughout eastern Ethiopia and northern Somalia during the remainder of this month. New groups of immature adults are forming in Saudi Arabia that could move south to Yemen for breeding in the interior.
Note to editors:
Desert Locust situation update
For more information
Contact
Lydia Limbe Communication Spedialist
FAO Kenya.
Email: [email protected]
@FAOKenya