11 Feb 2020

Fears locust plague in Africa could become more devastating

From Afternoons, 1:41 pm on 11 February 2020

The United Nations is warning the most devastating plague of locusts in recent history could be on its way in the next few weeks, as the bugs continue to swarm Somalia, and East Africa. 

Somalia has declared the locust outbreak a national emergency, and swarms in Uganda and Tanzania, are causing fears for the food supply there as crops are being decimated. 

Professor Steven Trewick knows all about locusts, and talks to Jesse about how and why they are so destructive. 

Invading locusts spring into flight from ground vegetation as young girls in traditional Samburu-wear run past to their cattle at Larisoro village near Archers Post, on January 21, 2020. -

Photo: AFP