$138m is needed to fight an outbreak of locusts in East Africa, according to the FAO. This represents almost double last month’s call for $76m. The funding would be used to halt the progress of the pests over the next four months in countries such as Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia or South Sudan. “The resurgence of this scourge threatens the means of subsistence and food security of populations in a region already facing severe food insecurity. There is no time to lose”, explained Qu Dongyu, Director General of the FAO. As of yet, the FAO has only been able to raise $33m. The cost to the World Food Programme (WFP), if the insect outbreak goes unchecked, will be fifteen times the amount currently being requested for prevention.
Source: Ecofin Agency
