Namibia Suffers Red Locust Outbreak, 500 Hectares of Grazing Land Destroyed

Namibia is struggling to control the second outbreak of African migratory red locusts this year, which in the north-east of the country has destroyed 500 hectares of grazing land. This was disclose today by the country’s agriculture minister, Calle Schlettwein.

Since August 12, at least 19 areas in the fertile Zambezi region bordering Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola and Botswana have been affected by a red locust outbreak

In total, 4,002 square kilometers were invaded and 500 hectares of grazing land for livestock were lost, the minister revealed.

The country is in need of about 30 million Nambian dollars ($1.77 million) for additional resources to contain the spread and allow aerial spraying, the minister added.

READ ALSO: Kenya Recieves Sh369m from Japan for Fighting Locust Invasion

Some surrounding nations also affected are already spraying from the air, which Schlettwein said was driving the locusts to countries that have yet to do so, such as Namibia.

The outbreak comes after a red-winged grasshopper outbreak in February, which is prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. In conditions of drought accompanied by rain and rapid growth of vegetation, it breeds extensively.

Sophia Kasheeta, deputy executive director of the Ministry of Agriculture, told Reuters that the money required could come from the private sector, from the government, or from anyone who can come on board.

So far, one of the international organisations providing technical assistance and materials is the Food and Africulture Organization.

“There are several challenges being faced by the team on the ground, which include lack of camping equipment, vehicles, and the vastness of the area,” the minister said.

Similar Locust Outbreaks in Africa

In late December 2019, the swarms first emerged in Kenya, with a second wave following in April. In the weeks ahead, the area is now bracing for a third, even larger, wave. Locusts have not been seen in Africa on this scale for 70 years. Other African countries dealing the the locust outbreak are Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.