The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) has confirmed an outbreak of the African Migratory Locust (Locusta migratoria migratorioides) in several parts of the Zambezi Region, warning that it poses a serious threat to grazing areas, crops and national food security.
According to the ministry, locusts have been detected in Itomba, Kasaya, Kabbe, Ngoma, Bukalo, Katima Mulilo, Masokotwani, Chichimani, Linyanti, Sangwali, Ibbu and around Lake Liambezi.
The outbreak comes at a critical time, as ploughing in floodplains and river fields has already begun, with general ploughing activities expected to start next month. The pests have been observed in both hopper and flying stages, increasing the risk of rapid spread.
“This outbreak poses a serious threat to crops, grazing areas and national food security if not controlled promptly,” the ministry said.
In response, the Ministry has deployed surveillance and spraying teams to the affected areas to conduct immediate control operations, which will continue until the situation is brought under control.
Farmers have been urged to cooperate fully with agricultural extension officers during the spraying campaign to ensure effective containment.
The Ministry also appealed to farmers and the public to remain vigilant and report any new locust sightings to the nearest Agricultural Development Centre, Constituency Office or directly to the Ministry.
Additionally, MAWLR called on government ministries, parastatals, NGOs and other stakeholders to assist containment efforts by contributing available resources.
