11th Session of Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in the Western Region highlights growing commitment to combat desert locust threat

Marrakech – The Joint Meeting of the 11th Session and the 17th Executive Committee Meeting of the FAO Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in the Western Region (CLCPRO) kicked off, commending significant progress made in the collective fight against desert locust threats across member countries.

The Commission has supported countries in strengthening their national locust management capacities, both by enhancing technical skills and integrating technology.

The Session was attended by high-ranking government officials, primarily Secretaries General of the government bodies responsible for locust control, as well as the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of the Republic of Niger.

Collective action to combat desert locust

The Session comes at a time when some member countries, including Niger and Algeria, are combating a locust resurgence. Therefore, the meeting will play a critical role in assessing short-term strategies to manage the pest during the spring phase.

“The Session will refine strategies and provide direction for the implementation of new initiatives and tools, while strengthening our collective action to make our fight against the desert locust even more effective and sustainable,” said Mohamed Lemine Hamouny, Executive Secretary of the Commission, at the opening of the session.

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural, Development and Water and Forests of the Kingdom of Morocco, Redouane Arrach, emphasized the country's ongoing commitment towards the fight against the desert locust and the importance of strengthening regional cooperation to safeguard the agricultural and pastoral systems of the region.

Strengthening national locust control capacities

With the support of member countries, the Commission has launched two major training programs – the Master’s in Acridology conducted at IAV Hassan II Institute and the Senior Technicians in Acridology established at the Higher Institute of Sciences in Algeria. The programs ensure the ongoing development and maintenance of expertise within national locust control units, strengthening both their management and operational capabilities.

Guided by the locust preventive control strategy, technological innovation has also been central to advancing locust control efforts. The introduction of surveillance drones into monitoring systems, along with their deployment in Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco, and Chad, has significantly improved the accuracy and speed of field interventions. CLCPRO is currently collaborating with partners to develop a spraying drone, as part of a broader strategy to modernize locust control methods while ensuring environmental sustainability.

Additionally, the Commission has continued to explore biological control options, including conducting a full-scale test of biopesticides.

Expanding the Commission    

The Gambia joined the Commission in November 2024, and additional countries have applied for membership, signaling a growing commitment to regional cooperation. Ends