Get ready for 20 times bigger locust invasion, experts warn
Experts warn of a bigger second wave of locust invasion in Kenya and East Africa
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Fao has warned Kenya to get prepared for a larger second wave of locust invasions.
The agency now requires approximately Kshs 16.2 billion to counter the effect of locusts for its rapid response and anticipatory action in the 20 countries likely to be affected.
Experts have warned about a 20 times bigger swarm of locusts that is likely to ravage Kenya and nine other countries in East Africa soon.
According to FAO, the new swarms are expected to hatch in May 2020. They will be the bigger number of descendants of the first generation of locusts that are currently ravaging through the Horn of Africa countries.
“The first generation of locusts is now breeding, they have laid eggs and will be hatching into nymphs and hoppers,” said the Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO representative to Kenya in Tobias Takavarasha.
Tobias also said that this is the ripe time to control the spread of locusts in East Africa before they begin their exodus.
If they are left to multiply, the locusts can affect the coming planting season.
According to scientific experts, 400 times bigger swarms of locusts are likely to surface in June if successive generations are not contained early.
In Kenya alone, more than 20 counties have been affected by swarms of locusts. These are
Counties in Kenya affected by locusts in 2020
Mandera County
Wajir County
Kajiado County
Makueni County
Laikipia County
Isiolo County
Samburu County
Garissa County
Baringo County
Turkana County
Meru County
Embu County
Machakos County
Murang’ a County
Kitui County
