2004 Locust Invasion and Food Crisis

A project proposal to address the locust swarms and food crisis in Mauritania, based on a letter by Mohamadou Aw, Assistant Peace Corps Director

November 12, 2004

The food situation in Mauritania is a matter of great concern this year. Much of the rain-fed and recessional agriculture has been lost to locusts. This year’s crop production will be the lowest in five years. The United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that approximately 50% of this year’s crop will be lost. The Famine Early Warning System indicates that the loss will be much higher than previously announced due to the recent locust invasion on the remaining crops. Every region in Mauritania has been affected by the locust plague.

The combination of insufficient rain and locust infestations has put many families in a difficult food situation. Many families have begun adaptation strategies much earlier than normal. As early as September, about a quarter of the rural population began reducing the quantity of food served due to inadequate supplies. Over half of the rural population skips at least one meal each day. September is the harvest month is usually marked by food surpluses.

Each year, families take their livestock south in search of abundant grass and water. This year’s animal migration began in September – five months earlier than usual – because of inadequate food supplies due to the locust swarms. Livestock serves as a source for both food and income and is one the most valuable commodities in Mauritania. The loss of the livestock is estimated to be very high this year.

The locusts’ invasion continues to be a significant threat to the remaining agricultural crops. There is still a south-north movement of immature swarms. Unfortunately with the recent rainfall on November 8, 2004, there is great risk of the immature swarms developing into mature reproductive insects. This sexual maturation will lead to new generations, jeopardizing the upcoming rice and gardening seasons.

Given its presence in many parts of the country, Peace Corps can very successfully intervene at the village level and make a big difference, particularly by assisting with pest control and feeding centers.

Based on the level of crop damage and the extent of the locust invasion, a chemical solution must be implemented in order to effectively protect vegetable production. Mechanical methods will be taught, but their effects are very limited. A non-organic control method combined with establishing feeding centers will be the best way to face this food crisis. We recognize the sensitivity of using chemicals and have taken this concern into consideration. The reasons for using the chemical control option and the necessary measures to ensure its success are outlined below:

1. Strong measures need to be taken to have any impact on the locusts. Organic solutions will be implemented; however, pesticides will have to also be used.
2. Communities currently use chemicals. Unfortunately, they often use them incorrectly due to inadequate training. Farmers often do not even know what product they are using and its risks to their health and the environment. With this program, a thorough training will be held for representatives of each community. These individuals will work with a Peace Corps Volunteer, receive information about chemical pesticides, and be trained how to properly use and store chemicals, spray equipment, and protective gear.
3. Communities will be provided proper protective equipment.
4. Peace Corps and the local nongovernmental organization will ensure that all rules and regulations are followed. No one will be allowed to apply pesticides if they are not properly trained or not following regulations, which is why the chosen sites are where a Peace Corps Volunteer resides.
5. With this program, we will work closely with the Ministry of Rural Development and the Environment to help train the communities, disseminate information, and serve as legal and institutional support. The Ministry will play an integral role in the distribution of the chemicals but with close monitoring from Peace Corps.
6. In addition to the pesticide training, community members will be instructed on the locust’s biology, life cycle, and damage. They will be trained on preventive and mechanical control methods that can minimize locust infestations and damage. These methods will take priority over chemical control whenever possible.

Along with this pest control, Peace Corps will work with other organizations to establish feeding centers for children and pregnant women, who usually suffer the most from food shortages. In addition to providing food to children and pregnant mothers, these centers will be used to educate the communities on proper nutrition. Moringa, a local tree, will also be promoted as a nutritional supplement for a more balanced diet. Volunteers will work with the health institutions to determine the areas where these centers are needed the most and work together to manage them through local nongovernmental organizations.

We will use local expertise for both the pest control training and the feeding centers. We also have volunteers with experience in pesticide application and in establishing and managing feeding centers.

-- Disclaimer: The content of this web site is a project of the volunteers in Mauritania and does not reflect any official position of Peace Corps or the U.S. government. --