RESPONDING TO LOCUST SWARMS IN EASTERN AFRICA
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction named the locust problems in Eastern Africa, one of the most under-reported disasters of 2020. Undoubtedly exacerbated by climate change and ongoing drought conditions in many parts of Eastern Africa, huge locust swarms continue to threaten crops, agriculture and food supplies across Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya in particular.
Priority Worldwide responded to a call from the US Agency of International Development (USAID) to provide aerial spraying aircraft assets in Ethiopia in support of United Nations Food & Agriculture Office (FAO) missions.
We were able to source, provide and configure two aircraft for the needs of this mission – One fixed wing Air Tractor AT602 for aerial spraying, and one rotary wing Airbus Helicopter AS350B3 for aerial spray and reconnaissance activities. The special spraying equipment for the helicopter was sourced from the USA and Priority’s US office also arranged the export clearance and air freight to Kenya, to ensure that the helicopter would be fitted in the fastest time possible.