In early February 2025, post-heavy rains in northeastern Namibia triggered a surge of locusts, primarily in the Zambezi Region, affecting key hotspots like the Ibbu floodplains and Chobe River area. The outbreak, involving both hoppers (wingless juveniles) and fledglings (immature flyers), poses significant risks to agriculture.
Heavy rainfall has fueled rapid vegetation growth, creating ideal breeding conditions. As the vegetation dries, the risk of swarming increases, potentially leading to large migratory groups. This surge is part of a larger, climate-driven pattern of erratic rainfall and shifting breeding cycles, as seen in previous outbreaks, including the devastating locust crisis in East Africa from 2019 to 2021.
Efforts to manage the outbreak include surveillance, ground spraying, and mist blowing to eliminate roosting fledglings. Regional cooperation with neighboring countries like Zambia, Botswana, and Angola is crucial for early warning systems and effective control measures. Community outreach programs are also empowering farmers to detect and report locust activity safely.