Eritrea: Assessment Meeting on Desert Locust Control Efforts – Africa Links 24

Massawa, 04 April 2024 – An assessment meeting was held by the Ministry of Agriculture on 2 April in Massawa to review the actions taken to combat the desert locust infestation in the Northern and Southern Red Sea Regions during 2023.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Arefaine Berhe, the Minister of Agriculture, Regional Governors, heads of regional Assemblies, various officials, agricultural experts, and representatives of farmers.

Mr. Kibrom Andemicael, Managing Director in the Northern Red Sea Region, highlighted the importance of the control efforts in his opening remarks, emphasizing their impact not only on Eritrea but also on neighboring nations.

Mr. Tesfit Gerezgiher, Director General of Agriculture and Land in the region, presented a report on the activities undertaken, challenges faced, and future plans for addressing the locust threat. He noted the unprecedented scale and scope of the locust invasion in 2023/2024, with significant resources mobilized for control operations.

Mr. Tesfit commended the collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Agriculture, the general public, defense forces, and local administrations for effectively managing the locust threat and preventing significant damage to agriculture and pasturelands.

Ambassador Mohammed-Seid Mantai, Governor of the Southern Red Sea Region, cautioned about the potential for increased locust activity with the onset of rains in various regions, stressing the need for vigilant monitoring and preparedness.

Minister Arefaine Berhe praised the successful coordinated efforts of agricultural specialists, the community, local administrations, and defense forces in addressing the locust crisis. He called for a strengthened collective approach, including training, alternative pesticides development, and regular field inspections to prevent future invasions.