Emergency Response to Locust Infestation on Sumba Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia - TCP/INS/3902

Abstract

East Sumba, Indonesia, revolves around the persistent and severe outbreaks of the locust species Locusta migratoria manilensis (commonly known as the Migratory Locust). These outbreaks have been a recurring problem in the region, with the first significant outbreak recorded between 1997 and 1998, leading to widespread destruction of crops and subsequent food insecurity. The locusts primarily affect green leafy crops, including food and vegetable crops, causing devastating impacts on agricultural productivity and livelihoods. The locust problem has persisted over the years, with annual outbreaks typically occurring after the rainy season from April to July. The current outbreak began in 2019 and has since expanded beyond East Sumba to Central, West, and Southwest Sumba. By early 2022, significant damage had been recorded, affecting thousands of hectares of crops, including maize, rice, and peanuts. In some cases, locusts have even attacked coconut plants. Local communities and government agencies have employed various control measures, such as mechanical collection of locusts and the use of chemical insecticides. However, these efforts have been hampered by limited resources, logistical challenges, and the sheer scale of the locust infestations. As a result, the Ministry of Agriculture of Indonesia requested technical support from the FAO to address the ongoing crisis.