Worst Locust Swarm in Decades Invades East Africa
KATITIKA, KENYA – The worst locust swarm in decades have invaded East Africa and destroyed the crops in the rural community.
In 70 years, Kenya is currently experiencing the worst locust invasion after infesting the countries of Somalia and Ethiopia. The infestation of desert locusts destroys farmland and now threatening a devastating hunger.
The farmers and residents in the affected areas were screaming and clanging pots and pans to drive away voracious insects from feasting on their crops. If unchecked, the numbers of locusts could grow 500 times by June.
A certain resident named Ndunda Makanga also tried to chase the locust from his farm but the pests have destroyed his corn, sorghum, cowpeas, and other crops. Makanga also said that even cows are wondering what is happening.
The increasing number of locusts could spread cross Uganda and South Sudan, which might become a plague that will destroy crops and pasture in the region, which is considered as one of the poorest countries in the world.
“We know East Africa is one of the most vulnerable to climate change. We know this region will see more extremes,” Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) regional expert Guleid Artan said.
Southeastern Kenya’s Kitui county deputy director of agriculture Francis Kitoo said that the residents of Kenya need a steady amount of pesticides and spraying equipment to supplement the four planes.
“The locals are really scared because they can consume everything, I’ve never seen such a big number,” Kitoo said.
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