Locusts swarm Zambezi, ministry response doubted

Agricultural officials in Namibia’s Zambezi region are urging cultivators to move forward with field preparation despite a serious infestation of African migratory locusts affecting multiple districts. Raphael Mbala, formerly a councillor representing Kabbe constituency, said on Tuesday that the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has sent control teams to address the problem through chemical application. He emphasized that farmers must begin tilling their land before seasonal rains arrive or risk losing their entire harvest.

Communities across Kasaya, Nakabolelwa, Luhonono, Bukalo, Kabbe, Muyako, Masokotwani and Linyanti have reported widespread insect activity. John Matengu, who farms near Muyako, described the situation as critical on Tuesday and suggested that aerial drones might provide better coverage than ground vehicles in remote locations. The insects have reached their winged phase, making containment more difficult.

Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani-Kamwi confirmed last week that response teams received three Land Cruiser vehicles, seven vehicle-mounted applicators and handheld equipment. The floodplains near Muyako and Old Masokotwani serve as breeding habitat for the species, accelerating its expansion across the region. Officials warned residents against handling or consuming insects treated with chemicals.