A recent study reveals that food security in Eastern Africa is increasingly threatened by the rise of transboundary pests due to factors such as globalisation, trade, and climate change. The eastern Africa sub-regional office of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) conducted a comprehensive baseline survey on emerging pests, highlighting the devastating impact of invasive alien species on agriculture. These species have caused significant economic losses, estimated to range from Sh116.4 billion to Sh142.3 billion annually, for smallholder farmers in the region. These losses represent approximately 1.8 to 2.2 per cent of Eastern Africa’s total agricultural GDP, underlining the urgent need for coordinated efforts to tackle this growing problem.
Understanding Invasive Alien Species and Their Economic Impact
The Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI), a partner in the FAO-led study, conducted an in-depth examination of early warning systems, preparedness, and response measures for emerging pests across nine Eastern African countries: Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Somalia, and South Sudan. The study particularly focused on three notorious pests—the papaya mealybug, the fall armyworm, and desert locusts—which have wreaked havoc on local agriculture.
According to CABI’s findings, five invasive alien species are primarily responsible for significant agricultural losses in Eastern Africa. These species contribute to annual economic losses ranging from Sh116.4 billion to Sh142.3 billion, affecting millions of smallholder farmers across the region. The problem is expected to worsen, with projections estimating losses between Sh129.3 billion and Sh155.2 billion per year over the next five to ten years. This stark rise in economic damage highlights the pressing need for national, regional, and international responses to manage and mitigate the threat of invasive pests.
The Impact on Food Security and Livelihoods
The study underscores the critical link between pest infestations and food security, pointing out that these alien species not only result in substantial crop losses but also jeopardize the livelihoods of vulnerable communities. In Eastern Africa, where the agricultural sector is predominantly composed of smallholder farmers, pests exacerbate the already fragile food security situation. Crops such as maize, sorghum, and papaya—staples for millions—are particularly at risk, with infestations leading to severe reductions in yield and quality.
The fall armyworm, which was first reported in Western Kenya in 2017, serves as a prime example of the rapid spread and devastating impact of these pests. Within a year, it had spread throughout Kenya, primarily affecting maize and sorghum crops. By 2018, an estimated 83 per cent of maize farmers were impacted, leading to losses of up to one million tonnes of maize. This massive crop loss has profound implications for food security, not only for the affected farmers but for the entire nation, which relies heavily on maize as a staple food.
The desert locust, another invasive species, is known as one of the most destructive migratory pests globally. According to FAO data, a single square kilometre swarm of desert locusts can contain between 40 and 80 million adult locusts, capable of consuming as much food in a day as 35,000 people. In 2020, Kenya experienced a severe locust crisis, which threatened the livelihoods of farmers in arid and semi-arid regions and put the food security of 3.1 million people at risk. The swarm decimated pastures and crops, leaving farmers in a precarious position as they grappled with the aftermath.
Climate Change, Globalisation, and Pest Spread
One of the primary drivers of the spread of transboundary pests is climate change. As temperatures rise and weather patterns become more unpredictable, many pests are able to thrive in areas where they previously could not survive. The changing climate has expanded the habitats of these pests, allowing them to spread across borders and reach epidemic proportions. In Eastern Africa, this has led to outbreaks of newly introduced pests and the resurgence of endemic species, resulting in substantial losses in crops, pastures, and forests.
Globalisation and trade have also contributed to the spread of pests. As international trade continues to grow, so does the risk of pests being introduced into new regions via agricultural products, plants, or packaging materials. The FAO report points out that recent years have seen several pests introduced into Eastern Africa with the potential to cause devastating economic impacts. Countries in the region are particularly vulnerable due to their heavy reliance on agriculture for both food security and economic stability.
The Role of Early Warning Systems and Pest Management
The study conducted by the FAO and CABI highlights the importance of early warning systems and robust pest management strategies in mitigating the impact of invasive species. The Eastern African Emerging Pests Programme, under which the study was conducted, aims to enhance the capacity of countries in the region to manage emerging pests through improved surveillance, preparedness, and response measures.
A key recommendation from the study is the need for regular detection surveys and reporting of pest statuses. This is particularly important for emerging threats such as the mango mealybugs, Rastrococcus iceryoides and Rastrococcus invadens, which have already been detected in Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda. The establishment of strong early warning systems will allow for timely interventions to prevent pests from spreading and causing widespread damage.
Furthermore, the study calls for a review of existing plant protection laws to bolster early warning and response systems. In some cases, countries may require assistance in drafting these regulations to ensure that they are effective in addressing the challenges posed by invasive pests. Pest-listing activities are also necessary to develop comprehensive lists of quarantine and non-quarantine pests, which will guide national contingency planning efforts.
The Threat to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
The impact of invasive species on food security and agriculture also has broader implications for the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Goal 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, and promote sustainable agriculture, is particularly threatened by the spread of transboundary pests. The study points out that the continued presence of pests in the region undermines efforts to improve agricultural productivity and resilience, both of which are critical to achieving food security.
Pests not only affect crop yields but also disrupt trade opportunities in agriculture, as affected crops may fail to meet the necessary safety standards for export due to contamination by biological toxins, microbial contaminants, or pesticide residues. This further hampers economic growth and development in countries that depend on agricultural exports as a major source of income.
Conclusion: A Call for Coordinated Action
The rise of invasive alien species in Eastern Africa poses a significant threat to food security, livelihoods, and economic stability. The findings of the FAO study underscore the urgent need for coordinated national, regional, and international responses to manage and mitigate the impact of these pests. Early warning systems, robust pest management strategies, and a review of existing plant protection laws are critical to preventing the spread of pests and minimizing their economic and social impact.
As the region continues to grapple with the challenges posed by climate change, globalisation, and trade, it is essential that governments, agricultural stakeholders, and international organisations work together to address the threat of invasive species. Failure to do so will not only result in continued crop losses but will also undermine efforts to achieve long-term food security and sustainable agricultural development in Eastern Africa.
