Lokapel 3rd June, 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

The County Government through the Department of Agriculture has launched an assessment in Turkana South sub-county following a recent outbreak of tree locusts.

The evaluation, which took place in the areas of Lochwaa, Kanaodon, and Lokapel, involved a transect drive aimed at identifying the locust species and assessing its impact on food security and local livelihoods.

Director of Agriculture Aaron Nanok and County Crop Officer Gabriel Okata reported that the tree locusts were primarily located in open woodlands, where they predominantly targeted Acacia trees, fruit trees, and prosopis juliflora.

They also affected sorghum crops at the milky stage. Observations indicated that the locust population ranged from 30 to over 70 hoppers per tree, leading to significant depletion of shrubs and vegetation. There is a growing concern that the locusts may migrate to nearby farmlands as their current food sources diminish.

Nanok conducted a community engagement session to get insights on the locust infestation.

Community elder John Lungi expressed deep concern, stating, “We’re worried over the diminished pasture and the threats to food security and livelihoods posed by the locusts.”

In response to the situation, the Agriculture Director emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts to combat the infestation. “The tree locust infestation is a tangible threat to ecological balance, food production, and pastoral livelihoods.

The county government will ensure coordinated surveillance and pest control efforts to control the spread and minimize environmental and ecological damage,” he stated.