Kenya has called on countries in Central and Southern Africa to work together in controlling red locusts and other migratory pests that threaten food production and food security in the region.
The government says countries need to improve surveillance, share information and invest in early warning systems to identify locust outbreaks before they spread to farming areas.
Acting Agriculture Secretary James Wanjohi delivered the message on behalf of Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe during the 42nd Regular Session of the Governing Council of Ministers of the International Red Locust Control Organisation for Central and Southern Africa (IRLCO-CSA) in Mozambique.
Kenya is chairing the organisation, which brings together countries working to control red locusts and other migratory pests.
In his speech, Kagwe stated that the threat could not be addressed on its own by any country and there is need for enhanced cooperation between the member states in surveillance, research and exchange of information.
He also stated that it was cheaper for any country to take early action and prevent outbreaks rather than letting the pests infect larger territories and then act on them.
The CS further cited the changing climate conditions as another element which can complicate efforts at pest control and which requires increased preparedness for that.
Kagwe also emphasized the need for careful use of pesticides to ensure safety of human beings and the environment. He further stated that the organization required adequate funding and enhanced institutional capacity to perform its duties.
He urged member states to ensure that the decisions made at the conference result into programs implemented within a reasonable time period and adequately funded.
Roberto Mito Albino, the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries of Mozambique congratulated Kenya for successfully leading the organization in the last year.
Albino credited the progress made by IRLCO-CSA to the leadership provided under Kagwe, noting that the organisation had recorded achievements during Kenya’s chairmanship.
The meeting also included a field visit to agricultural value chains in Mozambique, where the delegation was shown technologies being used by private sector companies to produce goods for export.
The visit covered crops including bananas, macadamia, avocados, mangoes and oranges, which offer opportunities for agricultural processing, trade and export growth across the region.
The discussions come as countries seek ways to protect farmers from crop losses caused by migratory pests while strengthening agricultural production and trade.