The first drone pilot training programme aims to strengthen national and regional capacities in the application of unmanned aerial systems for surveillance, monitoring and control of desert locust populations. It marks a significant step forward in integrating advanced digital and precision agriculture technologies into locust management operations.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warns that a serious desert locust outbreak continues in Northwestern Africa, with the situation remaining critical in Mauritania. A third generation of breeding is expected to worsen conditions in January, with larger hopper bands likely to appear.

Locust activity increased from September through November in Mauritania, particularly following average and above average rains in October. Populations were increasing with numerous hopper groups and bands present in November, and new immature adult groups and small swarms appearing, some reaching Senegal.

The 34th Session of the FAO Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in South-West Asia (SWAC) wrapped up with strong commitments from member countries to enhance early warning systems, cross-border collaboration, and technology-driven surveillance to prevent future desert locust outbreaks.

The 34th Session of the FAO Commission for Controlling Desert Locusts in South-West Asia (9–12 December 2025) will define regional strategies to strengthen desert locust management, enhance collaboration, and promote the adoption of innovative technologies to protect livelihoods and food security across the region.  The session will be attended by the SWAC member countries: India, Iran, and Pakistan, as well as locust management experts from the FAO Office in Afghanistan.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), through the FAO–China South–South Cooperation project, successfully released biological control agents for Fall Armyworm (FAW) in Bungoma and Embu, Kenya. The egg-parasitic agents are key biological controls recommended for FAW management, helping to reduce maize yield losses while protecting human health and the environment.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), through the FAO–China South–South Cooperation project, is promoting sustainable Fall Armyworm (FAW) management through targeted field-based integrated pest management interventions (IPM). Innovative field trials are underway to identify the most effective IPM options, particularly the use of organic products and natural enemies. 

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is supporting the Latin America to deal with the spread of red palm weevil (RPW). Experts and national authorities across Latin America under Plant Health Committee of the Southern Cone (Comité de Sanidad Vegetal del Cono Sur, COSAVE), have been trained on prevention, early detection, and control of the invasive pest.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) welcomed Master's students from the University of Florence for an immersive learning visit aimed at deepening their understanding of global food and agriculture. They explored the Organization’s technical work, partnerships with academic institutions, countries and other partners to tackle pressing issues such as hunger, biodiversity loss, and the impacts of climate change.

The Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in the Western Region (CLCPRO) has been awarded the 2025 FAO Award for Institutions Championing South-South and Triangular Cooperation. The recognition highlights CLCPRO’s pivotal role in advancing regional cooperation, sustainable knowledge exchange, and technical innovation among its eleven Member Countries.

Locust experts from the Desert Locust Control Commissions of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have been trained to integrate Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) standards across all stages of locust management. The consistent application of EHS standards ensures that locust control operations are effective, safe, and environmentally responsible. The standards protect human health, preserve ecosystems, and promote the responsible use and management of pesticides.