According to the FAO's assessments, Somalia has demonstrated remarkable advancements in constructing national institutional and technical capacities for locust management since 2020, with substantial assistance from the FAO and other partners. Shoki AlDobai, the team leader for FAO's Locusts and other Transboundary Plant Pests and Diseases, emphasized Somalia's significance as a critical breeding ground for locusts. AlDobai highlighted that Somalia's inclusion in the Commission would not only benefit the country but also strengthen monitoring and early warning systems across neighboring regions.
"This marked a significant milestone in the process of integrating Somalia into this regional coordination body," stated AlDobai, expressing pride in Somalia's inclusion.
Acknowledging Somalia's historical relevance in locust management, the FAO stressed the country's pivotal role in combating locusts in the Horn of Africa. The decision for Somalia to join the Commission is strategic, aimed at enhancing locust control operations in the region and fortifying collaborative efforts among member states.
Ahmed Madobe Nunow, Somalia's Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, affirmed the government's dedication to collaborating with fellow member states of the Commission to control desert locusts and mitigate their severe impacts on agriculture and food security. "Somalia is pleased to become a State Party to this important agreement," Madobe declared, underscoring the country's commitment to this initiative.
The Commission's strategy primarily focuses on preventive measures by swiftly detecting early signs of locust populations and providing rapid interventions to eradicate infestations before they inflict damage on crops. Through this collaborative approach, member states aim to bolster cooperation and coordination, ensuring a unified front against the perilous threat posed by desert locusts.
Somalia's membership in the Commission signifies a crucial step in strengthening regional efforts to combat desert locusts. With an unwavering commitment to collective action, Somalia joins hands with fellow member states to safeguard agricultural productivity and food security from the detrimental effects of locust infestations.

Comments
Post a Comment