Zambezi locust outbreak put harvests, grazing at risk

The agriculture ministry has confirmed an outbreak of the African migratory locust in several parts of the Zambezi region. The insects are currently threatening large areas of cropland and grazing, posing a serious risk to national food security, the ministry said.

Affected areas include Itomba, Kasaya, Kabbe, Ngoma, Bukalo, Katima Mulilo, Masokotwani, Chichimani, Linyanti, Sangwali, Ibbu and the surroundings of Liambezi Lake. The outbreak comes at a particularly sensitive time: ploughing has already begun in floodplains and river fields, while general planting activities are set to start in the coming weeks.

The ministry reported that locusts have been observed in both their larval (hopper) and flying stages, signalling a potential for rapid spread.

"This plague poses a serious threat to agricultural production and grazing areas if it is not contained immediately," the ministry warned.



Immediate action

In response, monitoring and spraying teams have been dispatched to the affected areas to implement immediate control measures.

These operations will continue until the situation is under control. The ministry has urged farmers to work closely with agricultural advisory services to ensure effective containment.

It also called on all citizens to report any new sightings immediately to the nearest agricultural development centre, the local constituency office, or directly to the ministry.

Locust outbreak threatens not only crops but also the livelihoods of many livestock farmers.