Switzerland deploys one million against East Africa invasion

A desert locust

Frightening news of the ongoing invasion of East Africa and what it portends for the world thereby continues to dominate the news every day.

And concerned by it, and especially how it will also be affected definitely negatively by it in the long run, Switzerland has decided to support the invasion intervention efforts with CHF 1 million.

The disaster waiting to happen from the invasion by desert locusts will lead to the loss of millions of lives from acute food shortage due to the destruction of farmlands by the locusts.

Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya have been hit by the worst outbreak of the desert locusts in decades, and with favourable weather conditions, their swarms are now heading to Uganda and South Sudan.

On 28 January 2020, the Food and Agricultural Organisation appealed to the international community for $76m to help stem the outbreak, mitigate the damage caused by this pest and support the families affected.

Switzerland has contributed CHF 1 million to the FAO in support of this appeal and is keeping a close eye on the situation. If the crisis continues, requiring a further response, the SDC may need to mobilise additional funding in its areas of intervention.

Supporting food security among communities in Somalia, Ethiopia and northern Kenya has been a priority for Swiss development aid since 2013.

Some 12 million people on the ground are facing acute food insecurity. Despite the efforts that have already been made, the insects are posing a severe humanitarian risk to a further 20 million people. The situation is being exacerbated by conflicts and climate-related events. The locust infestation is threatening to destroy the progress achieved in recent years and could cause new waves of population displacement.

The funds raised from the international community will be used to support affected households, deal with the locust infestation and stop swarms from spreading.  The aid must be used to re-establish food stability for families and increase their resilience. Measures have been initiated to support monitoring operations, coordinate international assistance, set up training programmes and deliver appropriate humanitarian aid to affected households, for example by transferring money, providing livestock feed, and supplying seeds and soil-related products.

Locusts, which are highly mobile and consume large quantities of vegetation, are considered the most destructive migratory pests in the world.