This archive report was first published on 7 May 2020.
Residents in Mugur village, Samburu County, stare at swarms of desert locusts, a threat to their food security and livelihoods. The insects have eaten and cleared thousands of acres of grass, vegetation, and crops in the region since their arrival in late December.
Widespread rainfall in early 2020 had given hope to pastoralists who were overcoming the effects of severe drought. However, the locusts have destroyed young crops, leaving many without food or income.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), desert locusts have destroyed thousands of acres in Wajir, Samburu, Turkana, Isiolo, Mandera, Marsabit, and parts of Baringo. Albert Lemasulani, a community leader in Isiolo, revealed that over 100,000 acres have been destroyed in the Olonyiro area of Isiolo.
Government officials admit the huge damage caused by the locusts, but are yet to ascertain the extent of destruction. Prof Hamadi Boga, Permanent Secretary of the State Department of Crops and Agriculture Research, said the government plans to hire experts to analyze the extent of damage.
Prof Boga assured residents in affected regions not to worry about food shortages, as the progress of fighting the insects is bearing fruits and likely to be completed by the end of June or early July. He said swarms have reduced significantly, from over 100 in Samburu to just three.
Isiolo County governor Mohammed Kuti lauded the efforts by national and county governments, FAO, and other partners in the fight against desert locusts. Hamisi Williams, Assistant FAO Representative to Kenya Programmes, said Kenya experienced locust invasion over 70 years ago, and the initial challenge was lack of chemicals to use.
Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok expressed fear that the county is staring at a possible famine following devastating effects on food crops by desert locusts. He said all seven sub-counties have reported cases of desert locust invasion, and approximately 462,000 hectares have been affected since they were first sighted and confirmed three months ago.
