Turkana conducts rapid assessment as tree locust invasion threatens livelihoods
The evaluation includes a transect drive to identify the locust species and assess its impact, particularly in Turkana South Sub-county, where the pastoralist community has raised alarm over the invasion.
Turkana County has launched a rapid assessment to address a tree locust infestation that has caused significant depletion of shrubs and vegetation, posing a serious threat to food security and pastoral livelihoods.
The evaluation includes a transect drive to identify the locust species and assess its impact, particularly in Turkana South Sub-county, where the pastoralist community has raised alarm over the invasion.
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According to a report by the County Director of Agriculture, Aaron Nanok, and the County Crop Officer, Gabriel Okata, the tree locusts have been found in open woodlands, predominantly targeting Acacia trees, fruit trees, and Prosopis juliflora. The officials noted that sorghum crops at the milky stage are also under threat.
They observed that the locust population ranges from 30 to over 70 hoppers per tree, resulting in substantial vegetation loss.
“There is growing concern that the locusts may migrate to nearby farmlands as their current food sources diminish,” the report stated.
The officials engaging the pastoralist communities during the rapid assessment of the tree locust infestation. (County press)
Community engagement sessions were held as part of the assessment, with residents voicing their concerns over the pest invasion.
“We are worried about the diminished pasture and the threats to food security and livelihoods posed by the locusts,” said John Lungi, a community elder, during one session.
County Director of Agriculture Aaron Nanok stressed the need for a coordinated response to manage the outbreak.
“The tree locust infestation is a tangible threat to ecological balance, food production, and pastoral livelihoods,” he said.
“The county government will ensure coordinated surveillance and pest control measures to contain the spread and minimise environmental damage,” he added.
The assessment was conducted in the areas of Lochwaa, Kanaodon, and Lokapel in Turkana South.
Similar infestations were reported early last year in Sankuri, Garissa County, where both crop and livestock farmers experienced damage to fruit trees and local vegetation due to tree locusts.
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