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DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY BY GOVERNMENT OF
The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations alerted The Gambia Government, to prepare for a possible Locust invasion. The FAO expressed concern over the upsurging Desert Locust populations particularly in Northwest Africa, despite intensive ground and aerial interventions. Given the known consequences of a locust invasion on agriculture, in general, and food security in particular, the Department of State for Agriculture immediately issued a Press Release to inform the general public and the farming community of the situation and to request them to inform the Department of any sightings of the locust. The Department also conducted an extensive survey to determine the presence of locusts and to sensitize the farming communities on how to spot and report on locusts. The Department further developed a contingency plan of action, for dealing with a possible locust invasion, and submitted proposals for locust emergency assistance to donors, to enable the Gambia prepare for the imminent threat of a locust invasion. Since mid July, the Locust situation in the Sub-region has worsened, and numerous swarms of locusts have invaded central Mauritania. Other swarms have continued East and South nearer home into Northeast Senegal and Western Mali. As good rains have fallen throughout the Sahel and ecological conditions are favourable for locust breeding, Large-scale egg laying has been taking place in Senegal, Mauritania and Mali. Consequently within a fortnight, hatching and immediate southward movement of hooper bands and swarms towards invasion countries and greener pastures like the Gambia, are expected. Considering that a Desert Locust Swarm can travel up to 100 kilometers per day and the size of a swarm can range from few hundred Million to several hundred Billion, and that each can eat up to 2 grams of food per day ( twice its body weight), the consequences of a Locust invasion on agriculture and livelihoods are, therefore unimaginable, scaring and threatening. According to the FAO, a small portion of an average swarm comprising 100,000 locust can eat as much food in one day as 2,500 people will eat, in a day. In view of the above, the Government, under the direction of H E the President has convened consultative Meetings, involving key stakeholders including the National Food Security Committee, the Disaster Relief and Emergency Committee, the United Nations Agencies, Non Governmental Organizations and the private sector. The Meeting, reviewed the situation, determined the wider implications of a locust invasion and mapped out contingency plans and strategies in preparation for an imminent Locust invasion. The meeting further adopted an Action Plan budgeted at U$1,500,000.00 (One Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars). In view of this grave situation and the consequences of a Locust invasion on the farming community and the country as a whole, The Government of the Gambia, has considered and wishes to declare an emergency, to plan, prepare for and possibly prevent the negative impact of a locust invasion. The Government of The Gambia, therefore, wishes to appeal to all Gambians, and Business enterprises based in The Gambia, to contribute generously towards a National Campaign against the imminent invading Locusts. The appeal is also extended to the international community, the bilateral and multilateral development partners, Non governmental organisations (NGOs), the private sector, civil society, individuals and groups, to assist fight against the imminent invading locusts. The national Food Security Committee in the Office of the Vice President assisted by the Secretary of State for Agriculture is available to receive donations and pledges with immediate effect in preparation for the campaign. Finally, we as a nation strong in faith, will continue to seek the benevolence of the almighty Allah and pray for the peace, progress and prosperity of our beloved country.
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