The locust and fall armyworm outbreak reported in the Zambezi Region since mid-January continues to devastate maize crops, despite ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform to spray affected fields.

Chief Agricultural Extension Officer for the region, Kumoyo Maswabi, told NBC News in Katima Mulilo that while spraying continues, the battle against these pests is far from over.

All 16 Agricultural Development Centres (ADCs) in the region have reported infestations of fall armyworms, with heavy concentrations observed in Dudukabe, Masokotwani, Chinchimani, and Linyanti. While fall armyworms mainly damage crops, locusts are destroying both crops and grazing areas.

The ministry warns that these invasions are severely impacting food security and threatening the livelihoods of communities that rely heavily on crop and livestock farming. It further emphasizes that the resurgence of these pests poses long-term risks, making urgent intervention critical to prevent further destruction of crops and rangelands.

Crops currently under attack range from the vegetative stage to maturity, with locusts now feeding even on harvested dry maize cobs awaiting transport to storage facilities.

This agricultural season initially promised good harvests due to favorable rains. However, the infestation has put those prospects in jeopardy.

Between February and March, the ministry deployed teams to conduct awareness campaigns, training sessions, field demonstrations, and spraying operations. While these efforts have reduced the number of fall armyworms, the locust threat remains largely uncontrolled.

Key challenges facing the spraying campaign include a lack of emergency outbreak funds, shortages of vehicles, personnel, personal protective equipment, pesticides, and lubricants at the regional level. Other complications include livestock movement in sprayed areas and bush encroachment.

The Ministry of Agriculture is urging the government to implement immediate locust outbreak measures to protect the livelihoods of affected communities. It also calls for national-level research, a contingency plan, and dedicated budgeting to prepare for future outbreaks.