Locust Pesticide Management System – Testing and Implementation in Morocco

FAO is developing a new system to track, manage pesticides and related equipment and reduce pesticides and their Environnmnetal and Health Impact (EHI): the Locust Pesticide Management System (Locust-PMS). This system is digital from data collection to reporting and meant to create a database and provide countries with the necessary tools to handle and keep track of pesticide stocks and the equipment used to survey and control locusts; to face locust outbreak or upsurge at its early stage.  

In September 2021, FAO visited the Desert Locust Management Centre (CNLAA) in Morocco, where the staff was introduced to the Locust-PMS, trained and a work plan was prepared to pilot the testing of the newly developed system.  

One year after the first visit, FAO returned to the CNLAA to introduce the new Locust-PMS functionalities and provide practical training for pesticide and equipement inventory by visiting six pesticide stores and two warehouses, gathering feedback, and planning the next steps.  

Eleven technical CNLAA agents were trained on the functionalities and use of the Locust-PMS, covering pesticide inventory, waste management, equipment use, and vehicles related to desert locust control and survey operations. The training also covered new system features such as QR codes to trace pesticide products and the correct use of safety and survey equipment. 

As of November 2022, the Locust-PMS is operational after two successful missions in Morocco and Georgia.