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#Agriculture #Climate Change

Fears of major locust swarms wane in the Sahel but agencies step up monitoring

Fears of major locust swarms in the Sahel are diminishing as monitoring and control measures are enhanced, despite challenges in field reporting.
Fears of major locust swarms wane in the Sahel but agencies step up monitoring
A What happened
Fears of major desert locust swarms in the Sahel for 2025 are receding, thanks to enhanced monitoring and control measures by the FAO and local authorities in Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria. After initial warnings of potential swarms due to favorable breeding conditions, reported locust numbers have significantly declined. Experts indicate that while small swarms may still emerge, the overall risk is much lower than the severe outbreaks experienced between 2019 and 2021. The FAO has implemented new digital tools for real-time monitoring, allowing for better coordination and quicker responses to potential outbreaks. However, challenges remain due to limited resources and insecurity in some areas, necessitating continued vigilance and preparedness for any changes in locust activity as the rainy season progresses.

Key insights

  • 1

    Monitoring Enhancements

    New digital tools improve real-time monitoring of locust populations.

  • 2

    Risk Assessment

    Current locust swarm risks are significantly lower than previous years.

  • 3

    Local Reporting

    Village brigades play a crucial role in early detection of locust activity.

Takeaways

Ongoing monitoring and preparedness are essential to manage potential locust outbreaks in the Sahel.