Katima Mulilo – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has intensified control operations in the Zambezi region following renewed outbreaks of African migratory locusts and the spread of fall armyworm, threatening staple crops and grazing land.
Ministry spokesperson Simon Nghipandulwa said the region has experienced three separate locust infestations since the start of the 2025/26 financial year, occurring between April and June, November and December, and again in January 2026.
The current outbreak is concentrated in Muyako, Masokotwani and Chinchimani, where the locusts are still at the hopper stage – a critical phase for effective intervention before they mature and migrate.
“Immediate interventions are underway to protect maize and pearl millet crops that are currently at vulnerable growth stages,” Nghipandulwa said. He added that reports of suspected locust activity in Nehale Lya Mpingana constituency in the Oshikoto region were investigated, with teams confirming the presence of grass locusts. “Surveillance conducted in surrounding floodplains detected no further infestations. Response teams remain on high alert nationwide,” Nghipandulwa said.
So far, 3 119 hectares have been scouted and 947 hectares treated, with three control teams deployed since 2 January using vehicle-mounted sprayers and mist blowers. Minor crop and grazing damage has been reported, while fall armyworm and green grasshopper infestations have also been detected in affected areas.
Despite these efforts, the ministry faces major challenges, including frequent equipment breakdowns, a shortage of heavy-duty 4×4 vehicles, heavy rainfall restricting access to affected areas, and limited service providers for equipment repairs.
To reinforce the response, six additional teams have been mobilised from other regions, senior officials deployed to strengthen coordination, and emergency procurement of fuel, chemicals and protective equipment is underway.
Nghipandulwa said government is also engaging partners such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Namibia Agronomic Board, Environmental Investment Fund and security ministries to support drone surveillance and explore possible aerial spraying.
While the government ramps up its response, seasoned horticulture farmer Morgan Sai Sai believes the crisis could have been mitigated through earlier intervention and improved farming practices.
“The time to control these pests was earlier, when they were first observed in some areas,” Sai Sai said. “They were not controlled at that time and were left to lay eggs.”
He explained that abundant rainfall has provided favourable conditions for the pests to hatch in large numbers, overwhelming crops across the region. Sai Sai also cautioned against late-season chemical spraying, warning of potential long-term environmental and health consequences.
“What kills anything that is living will also have an impact… it goes into the soil,” he said.
He further linked the outbreak to poor land preparation, urging farmers to cultivate and weed early to prevent weeds from overtaking crops and creating ideal breeding conditions for pests during the rainy season.
“You give opportunity to weeds and opportunity for grass to grow faster than your crops,” he warned.
As the ministry plans long-term investments, including dedicated 4×4 response vehicles and drones for aerial spraying, officials continue to urge farmers to promptly report any locust sightings or unusual pest activity to their nearest agricultural offices.
With fields under pressure and control efforts racing against time, the Zambezi region’s locust invasion highlights the delicate balance between rapid government response and the critical importance of early action and sound farming practices.
– anakale@nepc.com.na
