Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, has called on Southern African countries to strengthen cross-border cooperation and invest in modern pest surveillance systems, describing the growing locust threat as a “regional security concern.”
Speaking at the official opening of the 80th Executive Committee Meeting of the International Red Locust Control Organization for Central and Southern Africa (IRLCO-CSA) in Harare on October 27–28, 2025, Prof. Jiri warned that without sustained regional coordination, migratory pests could reverse recent agricultural gains.
“Locusts, armyworms, and quelea birds do not respect borders. This is no longer just an agricultural challenge—it is a food security and regional stability issue that requires early warning, early action, and shared technological investment,” he said.
The IRLCO-CSA, which coordinates the monitoring and control of migratory pests in member states, has recently expanded its mandate to include digital surveillance systems and coordination of control efforts for African armyworms and quelea birds.
Prof. Jiri highlighted Zimbabwe’s agricultural progress as evidence of the benefits of regional collaboration. He noted that joint efforts between the Ministry and IRLCO-CSA in pest monitoring and control helped safeguard crops in the Lowveld, contributing to a 261% surge in the national maize harvest, which reached 2.29 million tonnes this year.
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“This success demonstrates the power of collective vigilance and timely response. Protecting our crops is protecting our economies and our people,” he said.
Delegates at the two-day meeting discussed strategies to strengthen digital early warning systems, mobilize joint emergency funding, and modernize pest management tools to respond swiftly to outbreaks.
Prof. Jiri stressed that pest control must now be treated as a core pillar of food security policy across the region.
“We must modernise and secure our pest surveillance systems the same way we secure our borders. The cost of inaction is far greater than the cost of preparedness,” he added.
The meeting brought together agricultural experts, policymakers, and researchers from across Southern and Central Africa, reaffirming a shared commitment to build a digitally connected, resilient regional pest shield.
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