Desert locusts and other pest are threat to food security within IGAD region

By: Anne Nyambura

The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) regional ministerial meeting on risk transfer and transboundary pest management brought together stakeholders from IGAD member states,along with Kenya Ministry of Agriculture, representatives from partner organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Bank.

The aim of the meeting was to foster collaboration in effectively managing and controlling desert locusts and other transboundary pests across the region.

Speaking at the meeting Jonathan Mueke, principal secretary State department of livestock development in theini said the regional meeting will coordinate efforts to monitor and control pests, strengthen regional capacities in bio-pesticide use, and develop a comprehensive action plan to tackle the pests.

“Kenya, as the host nation, will share its expertise and successful pest management strategies, benefiting both the country and its regional partners,” Mueke added.

IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyeh said frequent outbreaks of transboundary pests such as desert locusts, Quelea birds, fall armyworms and African armyworms pose severe threats to agriculture across the region, exacerbating food insecurity and economic instability.

“The transboundary nature of these pests adds a layer of complexity to our efforts, as they disregard national borders, necessitating a unified regional response,” Gebeyehu said.

He noted that climate change further compounds the issue, with events like El Nino creating favorable conditions for pest propagation across the East African bloc.

As the IGAD region grapples with the convergence of climate shocks, leaders and stakeholders recognize the urgent need for coordinated action and regional cooperation to mitigate the impacts and secure a more resilient future for the communities affected.