Large swarms spread through Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia and neighbouring areas after unusually favourable breeding conditions linked to heavy rainfall.
What happened
The insects can consume vast amounts of vegetation, putting harvests and pastoral livelihoods at risk in regions already affected by drought, flooding and conflict.
Why it mattered
The Food and Agriculture Organization called for urgent surveillance, aerial spraying and international funding. COVID-19 travel restrictions later complicated delivery of equipment and pesticides.
Consequences
National authorities and international partners expanded control operations, but repeated breeding cycles kept the emergency active through much of the year.
Sources
Zeynep Aziz is a social-affairs specialist, writer and advocate with advanced academic qualifications in both Social Sciences and International Relations. Her multidisciplinary education has given her a strong understanding of society, public policy, human rights and the political forces shaping Turkey’s domestic and international development.
For many years, Zeynep has been actively engaged in social affairs and initiatives supporting the rights and well-being of Turkish citizens. Her work pays particular attention to social equality, democratic participation and the protection of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.
Women’s rights remain central to her interests and advocacy. She works to raise awareness of the challenges faced by women in Turkey, including discrimination, violence, unequal opportunities and barriers to full participation in political, professional and social life. She strongly supports women’s empowerment, equal access to education and employment, and effective legal protection for women and girls.
Alongside her social work, Zeynep closely follows Turkey’s international relations and foreign policy. She takes a keen interest in Turkey’s relations with Europe, neighbouring countries and international institutions, as well as the impact of regional and global developments on Turkish society.
Through her writing and public engagement, Zeynep seeks to encourage informed discussion, strengthen respect for human rights and contribute to a fairer, more democratic and inclusive Turkey.
Zeynep Aziz
