New desert locust ‘invasion’ threatens millions across Horn of Africa: UN

New swarms of desert locusts threaten the livelihoods and food security of millions of people in the Horn of Africa region, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The FAO reported Wednesday that locust infestations increased over the past month in Ethiopia and Somalia as a result of extensive breeding, favorable weather and rains, with populations expected to increase further in the coming months.

“New locust swarms threatening to re-invade northern Kenya are already forming and reproduction is also ongoing on both sides of the Red Sea, posing a new threat to Eritrea, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Yemen,” FAO said in a news item. launching.

Earlier this year, the Horn of Africa region witnessed one of the worst plagues of desert locusts.

The FAO warned that the new swarms could have devastating consequences for communities affected by recurring droughts, conflict, high food prices and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The UN agency said it requires an additional $ 40 million in 2021 to increase surveillance and control activities in the worst affected countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.