Ongoing Desert Locust Outbreaks Challenge North Africa Amid New Breeding Cycles

Desert Locust Bulletin indicates persistent outbreaks in northwestern Africa. Significant breeding in Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia with potential migrations to Sahel likely. Control operations doubled in April, indicating a necessary response. Minimal changes in Eastern Region expected.

The Desert Locust Bulletin for May 7, 2025, provides a detailed overview of the locust situation in Eritrea and surrounding regions. April saw the persistence of Desert Locust outbreaks notably in the Western Region. There was a noticeable uptick in adult locust groups, with small swarms moving northward across the Sahara, impacting areas between Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. Additional groups were identified in Morocco, northern Chad, and Niger, which signals a worrying trend.

Moreover, the ongoing spring breeding has led to the emergence of a new generation of locusts, including bands and groups that may cause significant agricultural disruptions. As for the Central Region, there was a decrease in locust populations along both sides of the Red Sea, though some adult groups and swarms were still located in southern Egypt and northern Sudan, where hoppers also formed. Notably, laying activity was spotted in the interior of Saudi Arabia, intensifying concerns that could arise from future outbreaks.

The forecast points towards continued spring breeding across Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia throughout May. The expectation is that new adult groups and small swarms will form and migrate south towards the Sahel, with movement likely starting in early June as rainfall is anticipated. In northern Sudan and southern Egypt, spring breeding may linger along the Nile Valley, leading to the emergence of new adult groups that could migrate south to warmer summer breeding areas in June. Similar situations are anticipated in the interior of Saudi Arabia.

In terms of control measures, operations are projected to be essential throughout all affected areas. April saw a substantial increase in control efforts, doubling to 34,436 hectares compared to March’s 17,962 hectares. This highlights the urgency needed in combating locust populations as they threaten agricultural stability. Meanwhile, the Eastern Region is not expected to see significant changes, which could indicate a shift in locust activities elsewhere.

In summary, Desert Locust outbreaks are continuing to be a major concern across North Africa, particularly in Algeria, Libya, and Tunisia. The ongoing breeding cycles will likely escalate locust numbers, prompting significant need for control operations. With the forecast predicting migration patterns and expansions into new areas, the situation requires vigilant monitoring and active management to mitigate agricultural risks. Broadly, while some regions show reduced populations, proactive measures are crucial to managing potential outbreaks effectively.

Original Source: reliefweb.int