Green locusts have invaded and are destroying crops in Imehejek Administrative Area in Eastern Equatoria State which will lead to unprecedented hunger and food insecurity, local officials said.
The green locust, also known as the African bush grasshopper, is an insect with short thick antennas, and strong and long hind legs that make them good jumpers when destroying farms.
Oromo Mathew, the administrator of the Imehejek Administrative Area, told Radio Tamazuj the green locusts are eating and destroying crops night and day and that they submitted a report to concerned authorities to intervene.
“What I saw strange in Imehejek and the insects are eating farms day and night and they cannot be scared off like birds,” he explained. “We hoped that we would not have hunger in Imehejek but these insects have invaded all farms in the area. It is a disaster. The partners supporting agriculture in our county should come and do an assessment.”
For his part, Henry Bako Morris of Longiro Boma urged the World Food Programme (WFP) and other partners to support victims of green locust invasion and said locals are currently surviving on wild food and selling goats.
“The insects have destroyed all farms and people have nothing to survive on and there will be serious hunger. We have reported to the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC),” he said. “People are now surviving by selling goats to traders to support their families and if you do not have anything, you will suffer. Since the report has reached EFP, they should bring food to support people here.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Anna Itwari, Director General of the State Ministry of Agriculture, confirmed the locust invasion and said a surveillance team will be sent to assess the damage.
“They called us last week saying green grasshoppers are destroying farms. Chemicals that control such pests were distributed to all counties,” she stated. “A trained team will be sent there and they will know what response is needed. I am urging citizens not to worry because our team is on the ground, we know what to do, and they will get support very soon.”