Locusts Outbreak: The World Bank will Provide Loans to Support the Affected Countries for food Security & Livelihood Activities

By Adhora Atri

Locust’s outbreak has already caused massive damage in many countries. The World Bank has declared loans for locusts infested countries. First, the African and Middle East countries will receive $500 million of credit initially. This loan is to provide for securing food and livelihood.

This loan will provide emergency funding for locust infested countries to help recover from the damage. This information delivered in a press published from the headquarter of the World Bank in Washington last Friday.

The loan has been urgently approved by the World Bank’s Executive Board of Directors. The initiative is mainly to protect poor and vulnerable farmers, pets, and rural families from locust infestation.

The loan will invest in enhancing social security, including cash assistance to the affected families, in the medium-term recovery of agricultural and livestock production systems and rural livelihoods.

The initial phase of the program includes a $160 million funding package for Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda.

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The World Bank President David Malpas said, “It was difficult for many countries to fight against locusts and Covid-19 at the same time. There is a dual crisis in these countries.

This problem has put some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people at a greater risk.”

Djibouti

Six million dollars from the fund will receive to fight against further locust infestations in Djibouti. In addition to strengthening institutional capacity, cash assistance will provide to the affected families.

Ethiopia

In addition to increasing the amount of surveillance and control systems, $3 million will use for cultivating in the upcoming crop season. Crop seed and fertilizer packages will provide to farmers. By this program, about 113 thousand families will receive emergency assistance.

Kenya

Support will be given for the damaged crops and domestic animals due to locust’s outbreak and waterlogging. Millions of families and 20 thousand farmers will receive the support of 43 million USD for the production system.

Uganda

The country will receive $48 million for locust surveillance and control support. This fund will use for temporary employment programs, water and soil preservation activities, and agroforestry technology. Besides this World Bank also will credit for livelihood protection and rehabilitation activities through various programs.

In early May 2020, locusts attacked 23 countries across Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. The World Bank announced low-interest loans in these countries in phases.