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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.
