Year of publication 2024

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Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

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Pages 7

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Publisher FAO ;

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Product type Project

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Synopsis (short abstract) The red billed quelea is the most important avian pest in Africa, annually causing damage of approximately USD 88.6 million. It is a migratory pest with breeding grounds in several countries in the continent, including the United Republic of Tanzania. Migration is based on seasons during which flocks tend to move from dry areas to areas where rainfall has begun. The arrival of the birds thus coincides with the presence of mature grass seed in the field, leaving food crops vulnerable to attack. Historically, the arrival of the birds in the United Republic of Tanzania begins in the southern highlands of the country, in Mbarali district in Mbeya region, and spreads from there. The birds then tend to breed once they reach the central part of the country, where they multiply and migrate to other areas. Before the project, flocks of Quelea quelea birds were ravaging paddy, sorghum, maize and wheat fields in eight regions in the southern highlands, central and lake zones of the country. The unusually large populations observed were also threatening other regions. The outbreak served to exacerbate the effects of other crises and disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the inflation brought about by the war in Ukraine, threatening the food security of affected communities and the country at large.

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Language English

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