The desert locust remains one of the world’s most destructive migratory pests, and the situation in Northwest Africa is becoming increasingly concerning. Countries in the region have been urged to increase surveillance and implement swift control measures as locust groups and small swarms advance northward from the Sahel into the southern Sahara, which marks the western edge of their known distribution zone.
Between late February and March, desert locust activity surged, with adult locusts and small swarms reaching central Algeria, western Libya, and southern Tunisia. This year’s spring breeding season has seen larger infestations than usual, driven by favorable ecological conditions. Specifically, wind and rainfall patterns have played a significant role in the locusts’ migration from areas such as southern Algeria, northern Mali, Niger, and Chad. These areas had served as breeding grounds from August through early March, which further facilitated the locusts’ spread.
The recent influx of locusts into northern and southern areas of the Hoggar Mountains in Algeria and the Fezzan region in southwest Libya has prompted a heightened threat level for the Western Region. As a result, experts are calling for increased vigilance to prevent a wider outbreak. This escalation in locust activity signals the need for heightened preparedness and the implementation of control measures.
The situation is compounded by the fact that favorable breeding conditions have been triggered by winter and early spring rains, which have created suitable environments for locust development. This has led to the hatching and formation of bands in affected areas, which, if not controlled, could develop into small swarms by May or June. Such swarms pose a serious threat to crops and pastureland, with the potential to cause significant agricultural damage in the coming months.
The threat posed by desert locusts is not to be underestimated. A single swarm can cover several hundred square kilometers, with just one square kilometer harboring up to 80 million adult locusts. These pests are capable of consuming the same amount of food in a single day as 35,000 people. This extraordinary appetite makes desert locusts a major threat to food security and livelihoods, especially in regions that are heavily reliant on agriculture.
To mitigate the risk, experts are advising governments to conduct intensive ground surveys in the areas most at risk of locust breeding. Priority should be given to regions stretching from the south of Morocco’s Atlas Mountains across the Algerian Sahara to southern Tunisia and western Libya. These areas have recently experienced enough rainfall to spur vegetation growth, creating ideal conditions for locust development.
Early detection and rapid intervention are crucial to preventing a larger-scale crisis. If left unchecked, the swarms could spread further, affecting a wider area and exacerbating the damage to crops and pastures. Given the destructive potential of desert locusts, it is essential that governments act swiftly to contain the situation. The urgency of the situation is reflected in the warnings from experts, who stress the need for immediate action to protect agricultural assets and ensure food security in the region.
In response to the growing threat, continued monitoring is essential. Ongoing aerial surveys and ground operations will be critical in controlling the spread of the locusts. Collaboration between affected countries and international organizations will also be necessary to ensure a coordinated response to this looming agricultural crisis. The next few weeks are crucial in determining whether the situation can be contained or whether the locusts will continue to spread, causing widespread damage across the region.
