FAO, Russia sign contribution agreement to fight desert locusts in East Africa

Addis Ababa, July 28, 2020 (FBC) – FAO and the Russia have signed a $10 million contribution agreement aimed at boosting efforts to control and eliminate desert locusts in Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda.

The agreement was signed yesterday by FAO Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol and Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Russia to the Rome-based UN Agencies Victor Vasiliev during a virtual ceremony.

In Ethiopia, the contribution will support aerial surveillance and control operations through the contracting of charter flights and helicopters and the procurement of pesticides.

East Africa is experiencing its largest invasion of desert locusts in decades, according to FAO.