Confirmed Locust Infestation in Northeastern Namibia
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Synopsis
Namibia's Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed a locust outbreak in the northeastern Zambezi Region. The invasion, first detected in February, raises concerns over a potential second wave, prompting authorities to urge farmers to report sightings and deploy control measures.
Key Takeaways
- Locust outbreak confirmed in northeastern Namibia.
- First reported in early February after heavy rains.
- Locusts observed in hopper and fledgling stages.
- Farmers urged to report sightings to authorities.
- Control measures being implemented to curb spread.
Windhoek, April 23 (NationPress) The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform of Namibia has verified a locust infestation in the northeastern Zambezi Region, impacting several areas and heightening fears of a potential second wave of invasions.
In an official announcement, Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, the ministry's executive director, indicated that the infestation was initially detected in early February following substantial rainfall and has been noted in both the hopper and fledgling stages.
Locusts have been identified along the floodplains of Ibbu, adjacent to the Chobe River, and across approximately 11 constituencies within the Zambezi Region. She remarked that the considerable rainfall has established optimal conditions for locust breeding.
“We strongly encourage farmers to report any observations of locust bands or swarms to the nearest Agricultural Development Centre,” she stated.
Nghituwamata noted that the ongoing presence of lush vegetation in northeastern and north-central Namibia, along with its neighboring nations such as Zambia, Botswana, and Angola, creates favorable circumstances for a second generation of locusts.
As the vegetation begins to wither, these insects are likely to congregate and may migrate northward in small swarms, she added.
The southern African nation has dispatched a team of agricultural officials to the region to manage the outbreak using vehicle-mounted sprayers and mist blowers, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
“We are diligently monitoring the situation and implementing control strategies to minimize the spread,” Nghituwamata stated.
Namibia has faced multiple locust outbreaks in recent years. In 2020, an infestation of African migratory locusts impacted more than 700,000 hectares across the Zambezi, Kavango East, Kavango West, and Otjozondjupa regions.
A locust outbreak, especially one involving desert locusts, signifies a dramatic surge in their population and swarming behavior, resulting in extensive destruction of crops and vegetation. Such outbreaks, which often occur cyclically, can have catastrophic effects on food security, livelihoods, and the economy.
