Locust threat in Niger and Mali / insecurity and conflict impede control efforts
The Cultures of Niger and Mali are threatened by locust swarms which are moving south from Algeria and Libya, the Food and Agricuture Organisation (FAO) warned today.
Source : https://www.marocafrik.com/english/Locust-threat-i...
Swarms of locusts were recently detected in northern Niger, from infestations further north. FAO reports that locust control efforts in the region are hampered by insecurity continues on both sides of the Algerian-Libyan border.The political insecurity and conflict in Mali could also jeopardise operations monitoring and control if the locusts reach the country.
Locust infestations were reported for the first time in January 2012 in south-western Libya near Ghat, and in south-eastern Algeria. In late March, the FAO launched an alert on the risk of swarms in Niger and Mali by the month of June. The continuous rains and the growth of vegetation favored the formation of swarms in mid-May.
Algeria and Libya have worked hard to treat infested areas covering respectively 40,000 hectares and 21,000 hectares in late May.
"The number of locusts and the distance they will travel will depend on two main factors: the effectiveness of control efforts underway in Algeria and Libya and the impending rainfall in the Sahel," said Keith Cressman, locust information officer to FAO.
"Normally, Algeria and Libya could control most local swarms and prevent their movement to the south, but the security situation on both sides of the border blocks the access of local teams and experts from FAO who need to assess the situation. The ability to counteract locust swarms in Libya has also been affected over the past year, "said K. Cressman.
Heavy rains in the coming days, the locusts could proliferate in northern Niger and Mali, where insecurity has also hindered the access of national teams of survey and control.
The last locust invasion in Niger was during 2003-2005 when the swarms of locusts had invaded two dozen countries.
Locust infestations were reported for the first time in January 2012 in south-western Libya near Ghat, and in south-eastern Algeria. In late March, the FAO launched an alert on the risk of swarms in Niger and Mali by the month of June. The continuous rains and the growth of vegetation favored the formation of swarms in mid-May.
Algeria and Libya have worked hard to treat infested areas covering respectively 40,000 hectares and 21,000 hectares in late May.
"The number of locusts and the distance they will travel will depend on two main factors: the effectiveness of control efforts underway in Algeria and Libya and the impending rainfall in the Sahel," said Keith Cressman, locust information officer to FAO.
"Normally, Algeria and Libya could control most local swarms and prevent their movement to the south, but the security situation on both sides of the border blocks the access of local teams and experts from FAO who need to assess the situation. The ability to counteract locust swarms in Libya has also been affected over the past year, "said K. Cressman.
Heavy rains in the coming days, the locusts could proliferate in northern Niger and Mali, where insecurity has also hindered the access of national teams of survey and control.
The last locust invasion in Niger was during 2003-2005 when the swarms of locusts had invaded two dozen countries.
Source : https://www.marocafrik.com/english/Locust-threat-i...