East Africa is currently experiencing its worst outbreak of locusts in decades, with large swarms spreading south across 14 Kenyan counties. A multi-institutional technical team, comprising of members from more than 18 Kenyan and international agencies, has recently been formed to discuss management of the current locust situation in Kenya. David Koros, from the Kenya Meteorological Department and an African-SWIFT partner, participated in the multi-agency team meeting on the 27th January 2020 in Nairobi. David’s role was to provide weather analysis and forecast information, crucial for decision-making. Analysis of past weather events, especially the October-December (OND) rainfall amounts, soil moisture, temperature, wind direction and speed, is vital for projecting locust migration and for control of the pest. Weather and climate forecasts also help in mapping the likely locust future migratory route. David states that the weather information provided has been praised due to its improved level of accuracy, providing confidence for decision makers and users. David attributes this improved accuracy to the techniques, training, as well as the sharing of ideas and skills, during testbeds and other African-SWIFT events.
Desert_Locusts_KMD_Jan2020
MULTI-AGENCY TEAM MEETING ON DESERT LOCUST SITUATION AND CONTROL IN KENYA _28.1.20 b(1)
Science for Weather Information and Forecasting Techniques (11/2017 – 03/2022)