The updated version of the desert locust guidelines focusing on safety and environmental precautions has been released. These guidelines are designed to help manage desert locust control operations in a safe and sustainable manner, minimizing potential harm to both people and ecosystems.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) provided expert support to India’s locust control efforts by conducting surveys of desert locust activity across the Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer districts, which are particularly vulnerable to locust swarms. Over the course of seven days, the team covered a total of 2 570 kilometers, inspecting 30 different survey points. While some areas showed no locust activity, isolated immature solitarious adults were spotted in other regions.

Locusts pose a severe threat to food security, livelihoods, and ecosystems, as their massive swarms can devour crops and pastures, leaving communities devastated. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) tackles this challenge through a comprehensive One Health approach, combining early warning systems and swift interventions to manage locusts while safeguarding both human and environmental health.

The 33rd Session and 37th Executive Committee Meeting of the FAO Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in the Central Region (CRC) have opened in Kuwait, with call for increased regional cooperation, greater investments, and the adoption of digital innovations to effectively manage desert locusts.

Stakeholders from Ghana and Kenya joined experts from China and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to share knowledge and train in innovative strategies to monitor and sustainably manage the fall armyworm (FAW) insect pest.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) hosted students from the University of Florence, showcasing its efforts to protect and promote sustainable food systems. Through thematic sessions, postgraduate students from the Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment, and Forestry explored FAO's work on managing transboundary plant pests, pesticide safety, international plant health standards and global cooperation for sustainable agriculture.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Türkiye jointly organized two virtual consultation meetings to identify emerging research themes and developing a platform and knowledge hub for agricultural research and innovation in Central Asia and the Caucasus.

 

The fifteenth technical workshop on locusts in Caucasus and Central Asia discussed lessons learnt from the 2024 national anti-locust campaign and preparations of the next campaign. The event provided a platform for exchange of knowledge and information on locust management. 

Huizhou, China - From November 11-16, 2024, a significant workshop took place in Huizhou City, Guangdong Province, where stakeholders from Ghana and Kenya joined forces with experts from China and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The goal was to share knowledge and train in innovative strategies to monitor and sustainably manage the fall armyworm (FAW) pest.

The Locust Pesticide Management System (LPMS) has been introduced in Uganda’s pesticide store to support the effective management of pesticides, equipment, and other items related to desert locust control campaigns. Developed by FAO, the system aims to enhance the preparedness for early response to desert locust outbreaks and upsurges.