Kenya is experiencing its worst locust outbreak in 70 years, and efforts are underway to spray the swarms with pesticides. The insects have decimated crops, threatening the food supply of millions of people.
in 70 years, small planes are flying low over affected areas to spray pesticides in what experts call the only effective control.
Just five planes are currently spraying as Kenyan and other authorities try to stop the locusts from spreading to neighboring Uganda and South Sudan. The United Nations has said $76 million isA fast response is crucial. Experts warn that if left unchecked, the number of locusts could grow by 500 times by June, when drier weather will help bring the outbreak under control.in recent months, decimating crops in some areas and threatening millions of vulnerable people with a hunger crisis.
Kenya’s agriculture minister has acknowledged that authorities weren’t prepared for the scope of the infestation this year. That’s not surprising, considering it’s been decades since the country’s last comparable outbreak, U.N. officials say. Zebdewos Selato, an agriculture ministry official, told The Associated Press the relatively few locusts reaching Ethiopia’s capital are “leftovers” from the “massive invasion” in the eastern and southern parts of the country. Spraying is being conducted around the city to stop the outbreak from spreading elsewhere, he said.
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