Desert locust swarms threaten grazing land

Hardap and Erongo in danger
The agriculture ministry has deployed spraying teams after desert locust outbreaks were detected in parts of Erongo and Hardap, with authorities warning that the swarms could spread to crop-producing areas if not urgently contained.
Staff reporter
  • 12 Hours Ago

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has confirmed a desert locust outbreak in parts of the Erongo and Hardap regions, warning that the swarms could threaten grazing areas and agricultural production if not urgently contained.

According to the ministry, the outbreak has been detected in Homeb in the Walvis Bay Rural constituency, as well as in the Daweb constituency in Hardap.

The locusts are currently in the flying stage, making control efforts more difficult.

In a statement by spokesperson Romeo Muyunda, he said that locust activity has been reported from the Gobabeb Research Centre along the Kuiseb River, stretching more than 50km through the Namib-Naukluft Park across the Erongo and Hardap regions.

In Hardap, the infestation extends from the Alt Duwisib area, about 65km from Maltahöhe, moving south-east towards Helmeringhausen.

The ministry said the outbreak has already affected 15 farms across an estimated area of between 300 and 400 square kilometres.

Authorities estimate the swarms contain between 5 000 and 10 000 locusts.

Locusts feed on vegetation, and large swarms can cause extensive damage to grazing land and natural vegetation. The ministry warned that, if left uncontrolled, the outbreak could spread to crop fields and horticultural production areas.

The ministry has deployed spraying teams equipped with vehicle-mounted sprayers to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.

Surveillance and rapid reporting systems have also been strengthened in collaboration with farmers and local communities.

The ministry said it is working with stakeholders, including the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, to coordinate control measures, particularly in protected areas where access authorisation is required.

Farmers and members of the public have been urged to remain vigilant and immediately report any locust sightings to the nearest Directorate of Agricultural Production, Extension and Engineering Services office.

The ministry said early detection and rapid response remain critical, particularly before the insects become fully airborne.

Officials warned that the locusts are already damaging grazing land and vegetation and could pose a serious threat to horticulture and crop production if they spread into cultivated areas.