WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- More global aid is needed to support anti-locust work in West Africa, the U.N.-backed Food and Agriculture Organization said Friday.
"While these funds, together with the efforts made by the countries affected, will help to step up control operations, more support is urgently needed to protect crops and pasture and extend locust control activities, in particular transport and spraying planes but also helicopters," said Clive Elliott, senior officer of the FAO Locust Group, in a statement.
The FAO added though desert locust control operations had been expanded, countries still faced shortages of pesticides and aircraft. The body is still awaiting $12 million in funds promised by donors. It has $14.7 million in cash, $40 million in pledged contributions and is providing $6 million from its own resources, the statement said.
Locusts affect 7.5 million to 10 million acres of land in West Africa. Countries most affected are Mali, Niger and Senegal.
