The national and county governments have heightened surveillance following a possible second wave of the locust invasion in the country.
Already a number of counties are experiencing the invasion that threatens the country’s food security coming soon after the debilitating effects of Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking at Garissa Agricultural Training Centre (ATC), state department of agriculture PS Prof. Hamadi Boga assured Garissa county government of more resources in the fight against the desert locusts’ menace.
Prof Boga who is touring the county to assess the spread of the desert locust said the national government “was impressed by the efforts” by the surveillance teams to control the spread of the deadly pests.
The PS acknowledged the roles played by the national government administrative offices and especially the chiefs, trained scouts and elders “who continuously work hand in hand with the desert locusts control base to avert a crisis by the pests that are suspected to have emerged from neighbouring Somalia.”
Garissa County Secretary Abdi Sheikh said that a total 6,800 hectares of both crop and pasture have been invaded by the locusts.
He said several stakeholders that include the national government, County government, FAO, WFP, Pastoralist Girls, NDMA, meteorological department, Kenya Red cross and KDF were jointly involved in the fight against the desert locusts.
Sheikh said the team has shown great commitment towards surveillance and control of the desert locusts.
https://www.kenyanews.go.ke/government-heighten-surveillance-following-second-wave-of-locust-invasion/
