Research indicates that the frequency of locust invasions is likely to increase due to climate change. In response, the County Government of Isiolo, in partnership with the Indigenous Movement for Peace Advancement and Peace Resolution (IMPACT), Cordaid, and icipe, is implementing a community empowerment project that addresses locust invasions in an environmentally friendly manner.
The project, titled (B)eat the Locust, aims to transform the threat posed by desert locust outbreaks into an opportunity for pastoralist communities to diversify their livelihoods.
It will establish a continuously active insect value chain capable of processing desert locusts and crickets into animal feed, utilizing a proven method.
During a recent visit to the Jiinue Youth CBO in Ngaremara Ward, Mohamed Boru, Deputy County Secretary for NGOs Coordination and Partnerships Development, emphasized the project’s potential to create a mindset shift in how locusts and crickets are perceived.
“It has been proven that both insects are a higher protein source than fish and beef. I urge you to take this project seriously, as it has significant economic potential through the sale of animal feeds,” noted DCS Boru.
He also pointed out that while other actors have resorted to using harmful pesticides, which have devastating effects on the environment, the (B)eat project offers a more sustainable solution by focusing on harvesting the insects.
Boru stressed that the project will benefit communities through CBOs like the Jiinue Youth CBO, where members will receive training to establish harvesting sites.
Bitacha Sora Bitacha, Director of NGO Coordination, added that the project will not only diversify the community’s livelihoods by establishing an insect value chain but will also aid in environmental protection.
“We all know that desert locust invasions destroy the already scarce pasture for our livestock, leading to loss of livelihoods.
However, spraying harmful pesticides that are banned in Europe is not a sustainable solution, as it damages our biodiversity,” asserted Bitacha.
He also noted that there is a high market demand for high-protein animal feed in Kenya, given the significant deficit and reliance on imported protein sources. Additionally, the market for insects as human food is rapidly expanding.
