Protecting people and planet - FAO's approach to locust management

Locusts are one of the oldest migratory insects with devastating consequences. These ravenous pests can turn farms and ranges into desolate wastelands in hours, threatening food security, livelihoods and ecosystems. A single square kilometre swarm can consume the same amount of food in one day as 35 000 people, devastating communities in its path. The 2020–2022 locust upsurge in the Greater Horn of Africa and Yemen put the livelihoods of millions at risk and serves as a stark reminder of the scale of the challenge. In response, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), working closely with governments and partners, mobilized a coordinated response. Leveraging early warning and forecasting systems, rapid interventions were carried out which saved 4.5 million tonnes of crops and the food security of 41.5 million people. The fight against locusts is not just a regional concern but a global responsibility to protect food security.

FAO takes a One Health approach to locust management. By acknowledging the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant and environmental health, this strategy not only manages locust outbreaks but also safeguards long-term planetary health.

Food, environment and human health at risk

Forming massive swarms, locusts devour crops and pastures, leaving communities without sustenance or income. During the outbreaks in East Africa, the livelihoods of farmers and herders across the region were pushed to the brink, with ripple effects felt across local economies, as heavily ravaged pastures left livestock struggling for food.

The environmental toll of locust infestations can be severe. While traditional pesticide control methods may be effective, they have significant side effects. Overusing pesticides can impact biodiversity by killing other species of wildlife, including pollinators essential for ecosystems. These chemicals can lead to soil degradation, reducing its fertility, and can contaminate water supplies, leading to long-term environmental damage.

The potential impact on human health is equally concerning. When chemicals are improperly applied or managed, this can lead to pesticide exposure, causing direct harm to the people involved in locust control operations. The chemical residues in food and contamination of drinking water further increase health risks.

A holistic solution: The One Health approach

Recognizing the interconnected nature of these challenges, FAO’s One Health approach has become a guiding principle in locust management. This strategy promotes environmentally friendly practices while managing pests and safeguarding human and ecosystem health.

Central to FAO’s efforts is prevention. Monitoring and early warning systems are essential for identifying and addressing potential threats before they develop into disasters. The Desert Locust Information Service (DLIS) continuously monitors the global desert locust situation, analyses data, and provides forecasts, early warnings and alerts about the timing, scale and location of breeding and migration across Africa and Asia.

To address the risks associated with pesticides, FAO adopts a comprehensive approach to the entire pesticide lifecycle. This includes promoting the selection of the most appropriate pesticides, their safe use during application by well-trained and equipped staff, proper handling, transportation and storage to prevent leaks or spills, and environmentally conscious disposal methods to avoid contamination. These practices ensure that the benefits of pest control are achieved and harmful effects on human and environmental health are minimized.

Biological control agents, an environmentally sustainable solution, are also employed. These methods include the potential use of natural predators to manage locust populations, but they can be slow acting due to rapid movement of locust swarms. Current efforts focus on utilizing microbes such as pathogens that specifically target locusts. Among these, the fungal species of Metarhizium acridum shows significant potential as a biopesticide, offering a safe and effective option for locust control. This approach aligns with the preventive control strategy advocated by FAO.

FAO is working to minimize the harmful effects of chemical pesticides by promoting early warning and early reaction systems. These involve locust control by skilled agents at the early stage of locust development, before they pose an immediate threat to cropping areas, with local communities informed in advance to ensure preparedness. Specific effort is also made to expand the use of biopesticides wherever possible, providing a safer alternative to chemical pesticides. For an in-depth look at FAO's approach to pesticide risk management in locust control operations, the publication "Manual for the implementation of environmental, health, and safety standards for the control of locusts" offers valuable insights and recommendations. Additionally, the ″Practical guidelines on pesticide risk reduction for locust control in Caucasus and Central Asia″ provides region-specific strategies to minimize the risks associated with pesticide use while ensuring effective locust management.

A path forward

As the impacts of climate change become more evident, locust outbreaks may become more frequent. That is why continued investment in early warning systems, biological control methods and capacity building is essential to protect communities and ecosystems.

Learn, act and stay informed

Protecting people and the planet from the devastating impact of locusts is a shared responsibility. FAO offers a wealth of resources to help you stay informed and get involved. Visit Locust Watch to access real-time updates on locust outbreaks, monitoring tools, and early warning systems. For insights and resources specific to Caucasus and Central Asia (CCA) visit the Locust Watch in CCA webpage.

By working together, we can build stronger systems to address locust threats now and in the future.