Farmers in the Kasheshe area of Sibbinda Constituency, in the Zambezi Region, are appealing for assistance from the Office of the Prime Minister following the devastation of their crop fields by red‑billed quelea birds.

A frustrated farmer, Lister Sabuta, said he ploughed a five‑hectare field of millet and a four‑hectare field of sorghum that are now damaged by the birds.

When asked if this is a seasonal occurrence, Sabuta explained that he attributes the increase in the bird population to higher flood levels, noting that in previous years they were able to harvest, unlike this year.

When contacted for comment, Mulife Muyoba, Control Warden for Wildlife and National Parks in the Zambezi Region, said their policy only covers crop damage caused by elephants, buffaloes, and hippos.