FAO reports limited desert locust breeding in south-west

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says it has recorded limited desert locust breeding in parts of south-west Libya during July, urging intensified monitoring in affected areas.

In its latest update on North Africa, the FAO said surveys showed small-scale breeding activity, with scattered numbers of hoppers and adult locusts observed. No large swarms or spread beyond the monitored area were reported.

The report said isolated immature and adult locusts are likely to persist in areas where conditions have recently been favourable, with limited numbers expected to continue appearing in the coming period.

The FAO stressed the need to strengthen survey operations across locust breeding areas in Libya and the wider North Africa region to track movements, assess loctus groups, and enable early intervention if the situation escalates.

It added that continued monitoring is essential to protect crops and limit the impact of the pest, particularly in areas offering suitable environmental conditions for breeding.