Africa-Press – Namibia. Staff Reporter
THE Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has reported ongoing efforts to contain a locust outbreak in the Zambezi Region, where infestations since January have damaged crop fields and threatened livelihoods, with control operations disrupted by seasonal flooding.
According to the Ministry, intervention measures began soon after the outbreak was detected, with spraying conducted in affected areas including Muyako, Chinchimani and Masokwani. However, these efforts, which continued until early March, have been temporarily halted due to flooding that has limited access to affected areas.
Photos: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water & Land Reform
In total, an estimated 32,896 hectares have been identified as affected. By 2 March 2026, approximately 7,124 hectares had been treated, including 5,710 hectares sprayed by ground teams and 1,414 hectares using drones. Of the treated areas, 2,769 hectares were crop fields, while 4,355 hectares were grazing land.
The Ministry further indicated that 13,151 litres of chemicals were used during the operation, including 12,589 litres of Deltanex and 562 litres of Decis. These chemicals, classified as environmentally friendly, are effective in controlling African migratory locusts, as well as other pests such as fall armyworm and green grasshoppers observed in affected fields.
While monitoring of the situation continues, Ministry officials are engaging with farmers to raise awareness about the infestation, control measures, and safety precautions, including withdrawal periods for both humans and livestock from treated areas.
The Ministry added that spraying operations will resume once floodwaters recede sufficiently to allow access to the affected regions, with continued engagement planned with impacted communities.
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