Ethiopia has been facing many devastating manmade and natural disasters in its time-old history. Among the dangers which have been harming the nation is the plague of desert locust. This year, desert locust has invaded the eastern and northern parts of Ethiopia. Though, efforts are underway to control it, it is breeding and spreading rapidly. Huge amount of swarm has overrun farmlands, grasslands and shrubs so far.
What does the scale of the infestation look like? How was the government preparing to combat it before causing damage? Which states are the most affected? What are the efforts being undertaken to prevent it? What should be done to control such dangers from causing similar threats in the future?
The Ministry of Agriculture has announced that a swarm of desert locust has invaded Somali, Amhara, Oromia, Afar and Tigray states and it has caused destruction in agriculture production and animal pasture. Since last August, desert locust has been invading agricultural harvests, grasses and shrubs in southern and eastern Tigray, east Amhara, Oromia, Afar, Somali, and Dire Dawa, says Plants Conservation Director with the Ministry Zebdios Flato.
Zebdios explains that though the ministry has been aggressively working to control the plague through carrying out chemical spray using aircrafts, trucks and human power, the enormity of the invasion was alarming and challenging to control it with limited equipment and technical expertise.
‘‘Right now, we are able to protect huge hectare of agriculture and pasturelands. However, since the desert locust is breeding continuously, concerted efforts are needed. All the vulnerable states should jointly fight it,’’ he adds. The persistence of rainy season has created auspicious condition for the breed and spread of desert locust. Hence, the director underlines the call for further preparedness and awareness to tackle the problem in a sustainable manner.
‘‘Unless swift measures are taken, the swarm could inflict damage on vast areas of the country. Thus, concerted efforts are vital to overcome the problem completely,’’ Zebidos underscores. Meanwhile, East African Desert Locust Prevention and Controlling Institute has warned on August this year that the swarm which migrated from Yemen through Djibouti and Somaliland would cause destruction unless swift controlling mechanism is put taken on time.
As a result, Tigray Agriculture Bureau was reluctant to take measures when it was told the plague is in neighboring state of Afar three months ago. The combatting work should have been started while it was in its breeding places, says Pest Management and Prevention Directorate Director at the Bureau, Mebrahtom Gebrekidan.
He says that the swarm of desert locusts which invaded many Woreds in Tigray state eight days ago was dangerous. But, it was controlled through dramatic public mobilization and aircraft chemical spray campaigns.
‘‘The scale was theretening in eight Woredas. Raya Azebo, Raya Alamata, Enderta, Kola Tembien, Kilte Awlalelo, Saesie Tsaeda Emba and Atsbi Wonberta were the most affected Woredas in Tigray. There was colossal scale invasion which caused damage on some farms and grasslands. However, it was brought under control through government and public joint mobilizations,’’ he points out.
During the campaign citizens from all walks of life, government and non-government employees, Ethiopian Defense Force members, Tigray special force, football supporters, students and other parts of society were actively participating. He hailed the way of sharing information through social media users which helped the public to understand the location of locust infested areas and controlling mechanisms as well.
Accordingly, almost all parts of the state have been cleared from the plague and cautious preparedness is being accomplished in case of any re-emergence, the director insists. Besides, he urges the public and other pertinent stakeholders to stay vigilant to combat any recurrence.
The Ethiopian Herald, Sunday Edition November 3/2019
BY TSEGAY HAGOS
