Tunisia Wins Crucial Battle Against Locust Invasion
Tunisia has just won a crucial agricultural battle. According to the latest bulletin from the National Observatory of Agriculture (ONAGRI), operations to combat the invasion of desert locusts have been successful. In just three months, the rapid intervention of the authorities has managed to contain the threat, significantly reducing the risk of massive losses for Tunisian agriculture.
An Effective Battle in the South of the Country
The first signs of the invasion were detected on March 12, 2025, with the arrival of groups of locusts from Libya and Algeria. The response was immediate: the authorities targeted more than 20,800 hectares in the governorates of Kébili, Tataouine, and Médenine, the most affected areas. The intervention teams used specialized treatments to attack the locusts at all stages of their development, from adults to larvae.
Lessons from the Past to Better Prepare for the Future
This is not the first time Tunisia has faced such an invasion. Previous waves, such as those of 1987-1988 and 2004-2005, had caused significant damage. Drawing on these experiences, the country was able to react with increased efficiency and coordination, relying on its membership in the Commission for the Control of the Desert Locust in the Western Region of the FAO. This international collaboration was a key factor in the success of the campaign.
The Battle is Not Over: A Possible Return in the Fall
Although the current invasion is under control, the battle is not yet over. Climatic conditions (drought and disappearance of vegetation cover) have pushed residual locusts to migrate to summer breeding areas in the African Sahel (Mali, Niger, Chad). ONAGRI warns of a risk of return of these swarms in the fall of 2025 if rainfall conditions in these regions favor new reproduction.
Facing the Persistent Threat
In the face of this persistent threat, the Ministry of Agriculture is pursuing its proactive strategy. It is strengthening its monitoring and surveillance systems and preparing the necessary logistics for a rapid and coordinated response, in case of a new invasion. Tunisia is thus preparing to face a cross-border threat and is affirming itself as a key regional player in the management of agricultural crises.
