Turkana: The County Government of Turkana, through the Department of Agriculture, has launched an assessment in Turkana South Sub-county following a recent outbreak of tree locusts. The evaluation, conducted in the areas of Lochwaa, Kanaodon, and Lokapel, involved a transect drive aimed at identifying the locust species and assessing their impact on food security and local livelihoods.
According to Kenya News Agency, Director of Agriculture Aaron Nanok and County Crop Officer Gabriel Okata reported that the tree locusts were primarily concentrated in open woodlands, where they predominantly targeted Acacia trees, fruit trees, and Prosopis juliflora. The pests also inflicted damage on sorghum crops at the milky stage of growth. Field observations indicated locust populations ranging from 30 to over 70 hoppers per tree, resulting in significant depletion of shrubs and vegetation.
There is growing concern that the locusts could migrate to nearby farmlands as existing food sources become scarce. During a community engagement session, Nanok gathered insights from residents on the extent of the infestation. Community elder John Lungi expressed alarm over the situation, stating, 'We're worried about the diminished pasture and the threats to food security and livelihoods posed by the locusts.'
In response, the Director of Agriculture emphasised the need for a coordinated response to curb the spread. 'The tree locust infestation is a tangible threat to ecological balance, food production, and pastoral livelihoods. The County Government will ensure coordinated surveillance and pest control efforts to contain the outbreak and minimise environmental damage,' he stated.