Second wave of locusts threatens food security in East Africa

Kenya is currently grappling with the worst desert locust invasion in 70 years, posing a significant threat to the already vulnerable northern region of the country. In response to this crisis, the World Bank's board of directors approved a $43 million international development assistance credit for Kenya in May. This funding is part of a larger regional emergency locust response project aimed at combating the desert locust outbreak and enhancing Kenya's preparedness system. Nick Walek, the founder of Kwolco, discussed the situation on CNBC Africa. According to Walek, despite the initial challenges, Kenya has successfully controlled the locust swarms that descended from Somalia and Ethiopia. The country's robust infrastructure, including numerous aircraft, sprayers, and helicopters, enabled effective management of the situation. However, the recent wet weather has resulted in a significant number of eggs being laid, indicating the possibility of continued locust activity in the future. The situation in Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya has improved, but the locusts are now moving towards the north. The $43 million funding approved by the World Bank will play a crucial role in strengthening the preparedness of not only Kenya but the entire region. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has played a vital role in raising funds to combat the locust invasion. Walek emphasized the importance of mobilizing resources to prevent the situation from escalating further, as the potential for a severe crisis still exists. While some South African aircraft have been deployed to Kenya, Walek highlighted the country's well-developed aviation sector, which possesses the necessary infrastructure, manpower, and expertise to address the locust invasion effectively. Furthermore, the funding gap of $13 million that remains for the emergency response project may pose challenges in the current economic climate. Despite raising $117 million so far, uncertainties persist regarding whether the remaining funds will be secured promptly. The Emergency Locust Response Project aims to protect and restore the livelihoods of vulnerable communities, particularly pastoralists in northern Kenya. These communities have been severely impacted by the locust invasion, while agricultural regions in countries like Ethiopia and Somalia have also suffered substantial crop losses. Moreover, as the locusts begin spreading to Western Africa, countries such as South Sudan, Central African Republic, and Nigeria face a growing threat. Walek highlighted the significance of tracking the movement of locust swarms and intervening strategically to mitigate the potential damage. While progress has been made in controlling the locust infestation, the next two months are critical. The hatching of eggs into non-flying locusts poses a significant risk, especially with the upcoming harvest season in July. To prevent a large-scale outbreak, intensive spraying efforts are required to address the emerging threat. The Desert Locust Control Organization based in Nairobi plays a crucial role in executing these control measures and monitoring the situation closely.