Africa stands against locust threats

Precious Manomano

Herald Reporter

African countries have joined hands to mitigate the economic and environmental impacts of locust infestations.
Speaking during the 40th regular session of the Governing Council of Ministers of the International Red Locust Control Organisation for Central and Southern Africa held in Nairobi, Kenya last week, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister Davis Marapira said the inclusion of new member states is a significant milestone in regional cooperation against locust threats.

“One of our resolutions was for countries like South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana, which are also affected by the red locust, to be part of the organisation,” he said.

“The Red Locust Control Organisation does not only cover red locusts, it also covers other locusts like the tree and migratory, as well as the quelea birds.

“This demonstrates the region’s commitment to addressing shared challenges and ensuring a more secure agricultural sector,” he said.

Deputy Minister Marapira said Zimbabwe is well prepared for the summer season, adding that all Grain Marketing Board depots have already received more than 50 percent of inputs.

“We are getting into the summer season and we are well-prepared. AFC Bank and the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) will provide the much-needed tillage services to farmers,” he said.

“We are more than 50 percent ready. This season is going to be favourable. Drilling of boreholes is going on in areas that have water problems,” he said.