STAFF WRITER
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has confirmed a desert locust outbreak in Homeb, within the Walvis Bay Rural Constituency in the Erongo Region, with swarms also spreading across parts of Hardap.
In a statement on Tuesday, ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said the locusts are currently in the flying stage.
“In the Erongo region, locust activity has been observed from the Gobabeb Research Centre along the Kuiseb River, extending over more than 50 km within the Namib-Naukluft Park across both the Erongo and Hardap Regions,” Muyunda said.
He said the infestation stretches from the Alt Duwisib area, about 65 km from Maltahöhe, moving southeast towards Helmeringhausen.
The outbreak has affected 15 farms, covering an estimated 300 to 400 square kilometres.
“Generally, locusts feed on vegetation, a significant number will cause destruction to grazing and natural vegetation in the infested areas. Furthermore, if not controlled they have potential to cause damage to areas under agricultural production such as crop fields and horticulture,” Muyunda said.
The ministry said the swarms have an estimated population of between 5 000 and 10 000.
Muyunda said control operations are under way, with spraying teams deployed using vehicle-mounted sprayers to contain the spread.
He said surveillance has been strengthened, alongside rapid reporting systems involving farmers and local communities.
“Furthermore, the Ministry is currently engaging relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, to facilitate coordinated control measures, particularly within protected areas where access authorisation is required,” Muyunda said.
He urged farmers and the public to maintain regular surveillance and report sightings immediately to the nearest Directorate of Agricultural Production, Extension and Engineering Services office.
According to Muyunda, early detection and rapid response remain critical while the locusts are still in the hopper stage, as control becomes more difficult once they are airborne.
“The Ministry is committed to containing the outbreak and minimising further damage to grazing resources, horticulture, and crop production. The locusts are destroying grazing and vegetation and may become a threat to horticulture and crop production once they reach areas under cultivation if not urgently contained,” he said.
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