Locust Infestation Confirmed in Namibia’s Zambezi Region Amid Fears of Renewed Surge

Namibia has confirmed a resurgence of locust activity in the Zambezi Region, triggered by heavy rainfall. The outbreak involves both hopper and fledgling locusts, raising fears of a second wave. Affected regions include floodplains along the Chobe River, with government interventions underway to monitor and control the situation.

Namibia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform has confirmed a resurgence of locust activity in the northeastern Zambezi Region. This outbreak, likely exacerbated by recent heavy rains, has been detected in both hopper and fledgling stages, raising concerns about a possible second wave of infestation. The affected areas include the floodplains near Ibbu along the Chobe River and approximately 11 constituencies across the region.

The initial report of the locust infestation came in early February, and since then, favorable breeding conditions characterized by ongoing green vegetation have persisted, not only in Namibia but also in neighboring countries such as Zambia, Botswana, and Angola. Farmers are encouraged to report any sightings of locust bands or swarms to their nearest Agricultural Development Centre, as the drying of vegetation may lead locusts to form mobile groups that could migrate northward in small swarms, complicating containment efforts.

In response to the threat, the government has deployed agricultural officers with vehicle-mounted sprayers and mist blowers to conduct monitoring and control operations aimed at preventing the insects’ spread. This situation follows previous outbreaks, notably one in 2020 that affected over 700,000 hectares across several northern regions. The ministry remains committed to protecting food security and rural livelihoods through continuous surveillance and prompt intervention measures.

The recent confirmation of locust activity in Namibia’s Zambezi Region poses significant threats to agriculture, exacerbated by favorable breeding conditions in the region. The government’s response includes deploying agricultural officers for active monitoring and control operations. With persistent threats from both local and neighboring countries, maintaining food security and supporting rural livelihoods remains a priority for the ministry and local farmers alike.

Original Source: medafricatimes.com