South Africa experiencing the biggest locust infestation in decades

South Africa experiencing the biggest locust infestation in decades

The exceptionally wet rainy season in South Africa allowed rapid breeding of brown locusts and led to the biggest infestation the country has seen in decades. In December 2021, many parts of the country experienced the heaviest rains since records began in 1921.

Satellite-assisted models for detection of desert locust breeding grounds

Satellite-assisted models for detection of desert locust breeding grounds

NASA-funded researchers examined satellite-based soil moisture and soil composition in the hope to predict optimal breeding sites of locust swarms. The team is now working to integrate the data into the FAO locust support to be better prepared for the next major…

Locust swarms from Middle East may reach Turkey, expert warns

Locust swarms from Middle East may reach Turkey, expert warns

Swarms of locusts that invaded the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, and Syria, may reach Turkey next if the country does not take action, an expert warned on April 30, 2021. As of May 3, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization…

Large swarms of locusts fly into southern Israel

Large swarms of locusts fly into southern Israel

Large swarms of locusts flew into southern Israel over the past weekend, April 24 and 25, 2021. Yellow insects flew into the areas surrounding Eilat, with some even coming from the sea. Their yellow color is an indication of their age as these bugs are mature and…

Immature locust swarms decline but still persisting in Kenya and Ethiopia

Immature locust swarms decline but still persisting in Kenya and Ethiopia

Immature swarms continue to decline in Kenya and Ethiopia due to the ongoing control operations, according to an update by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on Tuesday, March 16, 2021. However, swarms are persisting in the absence of rainfall….

Locust plague persists in Ethiopia, threatening crops and livelihood

Locust plague persists in Ethiopia, threatening crops and livelihood

Crops and livelihoods in Ethiopia are at high risk as locust plague persists in the country, with the highest number of swarms reported in the northern and central region. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), immature swarms are currently…

Ethiopia battles worst locust plague in 25 years

Ethiopia battles worst locust plague in 25 years

Ethiopian farmers are battling the country's worst locust invasion in 25 years, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which urged officials to scale up survey and control operations in its situation update on November 9, 2020. More than…