Hunger: Ethiopians Face Famine Due To Locusts Invasion

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has secured about $111m of funding towards fighting the locust swarms [Baz Ratner/Reuters]

*Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, Yemen, Iran, Saudi Arabia threatened

One million people are in need of emergency food assistance in Ethiopia after the worst desert locust outbreak in decades.

Nearly 200,000 hectares of cropland were damaged by the insects, leading to the loss of over 356,000 tons of grain including sorghum, maize and wheat, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, FAO, said Monday.

An additional 1.3 million hectares of pasture have been affected, reducing the area by as much as 61% in the Somali region.

The battle against the locust invasion has been exacerbated by the coronavirus crisis.

Following ample rain in March, new swarms of the pest are forming and threaten not only Ethiopia, but Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, Yemen, Iran and Saudi Arabia, the UN agency said.

The East African region could be on the verge of a food crisis if the huge swarms of locusts devouring crops and pasture are not brought under control, a top UN official has told the BBC.

A massive food assistance may be required, Dominique Burgeon, Director of Emergencies for FAO, said.

Recent Posts

Actress Wunmi Toriola Brags Amid Chef Tolani Collaboration Saga

Wunmi Toriola, is firm about her feelings towards Chef Tolani, a popular social media chef. The issue arose when Wunmi… Read More

10 hours ago

Actress Toyin Adewale Shares Hilarious “What I Ordered Vs What I Got” Experience

Nollywood actress Toyin Adewale is the mother of Nigerian singer Mayorkun. She shared a humorous post on Instagram on March… Read More

10 hours ago

Denmark Upholds Regulations For Non-EU/EEA Student Visa Holders To Prevent Labor Migration Abuse

Denmark enforces strict requirements for student visa holders from non-EU/EEA countries. The goal is to prevent the misuse of student… Read More

10 hours ago

Biodun Okeowo Hails Husband For Splendid Birthday Gesture To Daughter

Biodun Okeowo thanked her husband for making her daughter's birthday special. She shared her appreciation on Instagram. Her husband plans… Read More

10 hours ago

“I Need Help”- James Brown Breaks Silence On Financial Struggles

James Brown, responded to rumors about his financial struggles and homelessness. The claims originated from blogger Tosin Silverdam, who suggested… Read More

10 hours ago

Asake Reacts as Biological Father Publicly Begs for Financial Help amid battle with stroke

Nigerian Afrobeats star Asake has broken his silence following a viral video of Fatai Odunsi, a man claiming to be… Read More

12 hours ago

This website uses cookies.