Regional authorities and experts from the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have issued a warning about the potential return of desert locusts, projecting an invasion in East Africa, including Uganda, between March and May 2024 (Daily Monitor, 2023). The looming threat poses significant challenges to farmers in Africa, particularly in Nigeria. According to Daily Monitor, locus attacks remain one of the most devastating threats to food security in the IGAD states of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda.
Historical context
Locust attacks have a history of wreaking havoc on food security in the IGAD states, with the last major infestation occurring three years ago. A mere one square kilometre swarm at that time consumed the equivalent of food for 35,000 people in a single day. In 2020, the East and Horn of Africa region witnessed a dramatic locust infestation affecting 3.4 million people, emphasising the severity of the issue.
Current scenario
The Transboundary Pest Management Project Manager at IGAD, Kenneth Mwangi, highlights that prevailing weather conditions that favour locust breeding in the region. He added that increased rainfall in Yemen and Saudi Arabia, coupled with El Niño events, elevate the risk of swarms migrating from these areas. The threat is imminent, striking just before the crucial first season harvest, and could spell disaster for farmers and the region’s food security.
Implications for farmers in Africa and Nigeria
The potential invasion threatens the livelihoods of farmers in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, as locusts have a track record of devastating crops and pasture. The 2020 invasion in Uganda, the first of its kind in several years, resulted in the destruction of thousands of acres of food crops and pasture, leaving vulnerable households in 10 districts. In response to the looming threat, an official in the Crop Protection Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, assures that Uganda had set up a national task force and is part of the Desert Locusts Control Organisation for Eastern Africa. This collaborative effort and improved preparedness, including forecasting, reporting, and training of 2,000 soldiers, signal a more coordinated response when compared to the previous invasion.
The way forward
From the report of the ravaging that Uganda experienced, it is important that agriculture institutions and bodies need to put pressure on the government on the need for proactive planning. Early and substantial budget allocations are crucial to avoid a last-minute scramble for funding, which could hinder efforts to address the expected destruction that could consequently lead to food insecurity. The government’s commitment and timely measures are crucial in mitigating the potential impact on farmers in Africa, ensuring food security and preserving livelihoods. As the region braces for the locust invasion, collaborative efforts, early intervention, and adequate resources are essential to safeguard the agriculture sector and the well-being of farmers in Africa, including those in Nigeria.
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