The Malawi Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development has warned that a red locust swarm was seen in the Mulanje district. In a statement, Erica Maganga, secretary for Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, said the ministry is doing everything possible to control the situation. “The ministry has organised with…
A new online portal provides the necessary information for southern African farmers, researchers and governments to arm themselves against the threatening maize disease, maize lethal necrosis (MLN). Scientists have named the MLN disease as one of the most threatening diseases to one of southern Africa’s most important food sources, namely…
The heavy rain being experienced in Zambia is hampering the fight against red locusts, says the International Red Locusts Control for Central and Southern Africa (IRLCo-CSA). IRLCo-CSA director Moses Okhoba said the heavy rain made it impossible for his officers to work continuously. As a result only a portion of…
The red locust invasion in Central Province has spread to 3 000 hectares of maize fields, barely days after the initial damage was estimated at 800ha. The crop-eating grasshoppers have affected 2 500 farmers in Itezhi-tezhi and Mumbwa districts. Itezhi-tezhi district commissioner Hendrix Kaimana says the situation is becoming desperate.…
The red locust swarm detected in the Kafue flats two weeks ago remain a threat. Heavy rains are also hampering efforts to eradicate the pests. “The heavy rains have made most roads impassable, making it difficult for our scientists to do their job,” said Moses Okhoba ,director for the Red…