Mogadishu: Somalia on Sunday declared a locust infestation sweeping the Horn of Africa a national emergency, as insects devastate food supplies in one of the poorest and vulnerable regions in the world.
u201c The Ministry of Agriculture... has declared a national emergency in view of the current desert locust upsurge, that poses a major threat to Somaliau2019s fragile food security situation,u201d the ministry statement read.
Experts say the locust swarms are the result of extreme weather swings.
u201c Food sources for people and their livestock are at risk,u201d the agriculture ministry added. u201c The desert locust swarms are uncommonly large and consume huge amounts of crops and forage.u201d The emergency declaration was made to focus efforts and raise funds because it was critical to contain the locust swarms before harvests are due in April, the ministry said.
The locusts, part of the grasshopper family have led to what the Food and Agriculture Organization has termed the u2018 worst situation in 25 yearsu2019 in the Horn of Africa. Agencies Somalia agriculture ministry declares locusts a u2018 national emergencyu2019 Representation pic. PIC/ istock u2018 The Ministry of Agriculture... has declared a national emergency in view of the current desert locust upsurge, that poses a major threat to Somaliau2019s fragile food security situationu2019 Agriculture ministry statement
