East Africa locust swarm

East Africa is currently experiencing its worst locust infestation in 25 years, threatening food security and livelihoods across an already vulnerable region, including Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia. South Sudan and Uganda are at risk but are currently not affected by the infestation.

The insects that come in swarms of millions are devastating crops and pastureland throughout the Horn of Africa. According to Jens Laerke, the spokesperson for the United Nations humanitarian office in Geneva, “A single locust can travel 150 kilometers and eat its own weight in food — about two grams — each day. A small swarm can consume the equivalent of food for 35,000 people in one day.”

The UN needs $70 million to support aerial pesticide spraying, the best way to contain this large infestation. If nothing is done, the United Nations warns that the swarms could grow 500 folds and continue until June.

According to the UN, spring desert locust infestations are also threatening the Red Sea region in Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen.


More like this: 12 Swahili words to know before traveling in East Africa

The post Largest locust infestation in 25 years hits East Africa appeared first on Matador Network.