Desert locusts approach Algeria as cold slows their advance

The periodic report issued by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) revealed the presence of scattered swarms and isolated groups of desert locusts in Algeria, amid a still concerning outbreak in West Africa. It confirmed that low temperatures have contributed to slowing the spread of the pest and provided the concerned countries with an opportunity to enhance monitoring and control efforts. The FAO report indicated that Algeria was among the countries where scattered adult locusts were found, alongside Niger, while the organization warned of the possibility of some swarms moving north from Mauritania and Western Sahara, which could lead to their arrival in Algerian territory in the coming period, especially if climatic conditions improve.