Tajikistan: Mitigating the locust spread in Tajikistan and neighbouring countries through Anticipatory Action

In March–April 2022, Tajikistan witnessed an increase of Moroccan locust infestations in its southern areas. The infestation threatened the bordering regions of Afghanistan, namely Badakhshan, Balkh, Kunduz and Takhar provinces, with the potential of spreading to northern Samangan and Baghlan provinces. Most of the agricultural areas of the Afghan provinces are located on the banks of the lower Panj and Vakhsh rivers in proximity to the Tajikistan border. Pastures, and vegetable and orchard productions were at risk of being infested when crops were in early vegetation period.

The results include:

• Timely access to fuel and spare parts for vehicles and tractors allowed MoA to organize and conduct an anti-locust campaign with the aim of reducing production losses in the country.
• Timely treatment and anti-locust control actions by MoA preserved food production in order to withstand increasing needs.
• The basic household food basket improved, preventing food security deterioration. The Anticipatory Action intervention supported local market conditions and food availability, thus limiting value chain disruptions.
• Technical guidance and other education-related activities ensured that the implementing partner was adequately supported to sustainably control locust spread.