Pest invasions in Zambezi threaten food security Pest invasions in Zambezi threaten food security NBC Online Thu, 04/24/2025 - 19:12

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Locust Outbreak Confirmed in Northeastern Namibia - Nagaland Post Locust Outbreak Confirmed in Northeastern Namibia  Nagaland Post

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Locust Outbreak Hits Zambezi Region, Second Wave Fears Mount [Namibia Economist] The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has confirmed a concerning locust outbreak in the northeastern Zambezi Region.

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Locust outbreak confirmed in northeastern Namibia - The Hans India Locust outbreak confirmed in northeastern Namibia  The Hans India

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Locust outbreak in Zambezi threatens food security  Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform (MAFWLR) has reported a locust outbreak in the Zambezi region, with swarms currently in the hopper and fledgling stages. The ministry’s executive director, Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, said in a statement that the outbreak began in early February 2025, following substantial rainfall in the area. She indicated that affected locations include Ibbu near the Chobe River, Sachona, Lubuta, Singalamwe, Omega, Chinchimane, Kanono, Batabaja, Muyako, Ngala, Mahundu, and Seke. “The presence of green vegetation over large areas in the north-eastern, north-central regions, and to some extent in neighbouring Zambia, Botswana, and Angola, continues to create favourable conditions for a second-generation wave of locusts,” she explained. She warned that as vegetation recedes, the locusts are likely to form groups and small swarms that could potentially move northward. In response, the Ministry has deployed a team of ten staff members from the Zambezi region to manage and mitigate the spread, utilising mounted vehicle sprayers and mist blowers. Nghituwamata urged farmers to report any sightings of locust bands or swarms to the nearest Agricultural Development Centre for immediate attention. She added that the ministry will continue to monitor the outbreak and will provide updates as the situation evolves. The executive director encouraged farmers to be vigilant and to report any new locust activity promptly. The deputy agriculture minister, Ruth Masake, recently concluded a two-day visit to the Zambezi region to assess the situation. She toured several affected areas, including Old Masokotwani and villages in the Linyanti constituency, and met with local leaders who also raised concerns about the need for the rehabilitation of boreholes. Masake also visited the dilapidated Linyanti Agricultural Development Centre, directing regional staff to initiate its rehabilitation. During the visit, she stressed the importance of unity and collaboration within the ministry and called for the immediate filling of vacant agricultural technician positions to ensure effective service delivery.

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Locust-infested Zambezi crop fields sprayed The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has sprayed about 1 965 hectares of locust-infested crop fields in the Zambezi region. This aims to combat the current locust outbreak following an earlier fall armyworm outbreak and drought, which has threatened food security in the region. Ministerial spokesperson Simon Nghipandulwa on Friday said the locust outbreak mainly affects maize crops and not mahangu or sorghum. He noted that the approximately 168 farmers that have received assistance are expected to enjoy a bumper harvest, following good rains. “It is worth noting that most crops in the region are nearing harvest and are drying out. Therefore, the damage will be minimal going forward, as locusts primarily feed on fresh, succulent leaves. The dry state of the crops should mitigate the potential for further infestation.” He expressed confidence in the success of ongoing efforts to successfully manage the outbreak. He further noted that the ministry’s efforts to deploy reinforced teams to assist those in the field aim to ensure sufficient personnel and equipment are available to combat the outbreak. “Ongoing surveillance and monitoring activities are being conducted to assess the extent of the infestation and track locust movements. This continuous monitoring is essential for adapting control strategies and ensuring resources are deployed effectively,” he added. The post Locust-infested Zambezi crop fields sprayed appeared first on The Namibian.

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Masake Assesses Zambezi Locust Outbreak [New Era] Katima Mulilo -- Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Ruth Masake on Saturday concluded her two-day familiarisation visit to the Zambezi region, where she assessed the ongoing locust outbreak in some of the worst affected areas.

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Locust outbreak in Zambezi region prompts ministerial intervention Niël Terblanché A locust outbreak in the Zambezi region has prompted the intervention from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform, with the deputy minister, Ruth Maseka, visiting affected areas to assess the situation and coordinate a response. The visit formed part of a regional familiarisation tour, during which Maseka met with local leaders and officials to discuss the challenges facing the region’s agricultural sector. At a courtesy meeting with the Zambezi regional governor, Lawrence Sampofu, Maseka was briefed on the locust infestation and other pressing issues, including water supply concerns. The locust outbreak has affected crops and grazing lands in various parts of the region, prompting increased government engagement and interventions. Sampofu commended the cooperation between the ministry and the regional office, and noted the need for continued collaboration in addressing local needs. Maseke visited the locust spraying team and some of the most affected areas, including Masokotwane, Old Masokotwane, and the Linyati Constituency. Last week, the chief agricultural scientific officer, Rodrick Maswabi, told One Africa TV that the team deployed to combat the locust invasion and fall armyworm outbreak in the region does not have enough or reliable vehicles to access the affected areas. He reported that 16 farmers have been affected thus far since the outbreak in mid-January. Maseka then held discussions with staff members from the ministry and local farmers. Referring to the ministry’s relatively recent establishment, she urged staff to operate as a cohesive unit. “We need to work together as one team to ensure the delivery of quality services to the public,” she said. The deputy minister also encouraged personnel to use the appropriate reporting structures to raise issues affecting service delivery. There, Maseka met with the local councillor and traditional leaders, who voiced concerns over the condition of key infrastructure. The councillor and the traditional leader appealed for the rehabilitation of damaged boreholes and requested that the ministry prioritise repairs to the Linyati Agricultural Development Centre. Maseka instructed regional staff to begin rehabilitation efforts at the centre without delay. “The condition of this facility must be addressed urgently so it can better support farmers in the area,” she said. She also acknowledged the longstanding vacancy for an agricultural technician in the region, which local leaders say is hampering efforts to assist farmers. Maseka called for the post to be filled as a matter of urgency, noting that a dedicated technician was essential to restoring proper agricultural support services in the constituency. She assured community leaders that the ministry remains committed to responding to both immediate threats and longer-term development needs in the region.

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Cabinet orders awareness on possible locust outbreak Cabinet orders awareness on possible locust outbreak NBC Online Thu, 04/03/2025 - 08:33

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