EAST AFRICA: Crops threatened by army worm invasion

An invasion of army worms in various parts of East Africa is threatening to ravage vast areas of crops in the region, experts warned on Tuesday. Press reports noted that the worms have already invaded and destroyed hectares of crops in northern Tanzania. Experts say the worms will invade Kenya by the second week of May as they reach the secondary stage of infestation. Quoting Tanzania's national army worm forecaster Wilfred Mushobozi, 'The EastAfrican' weekly listed the areas most affected at this stage as the Serengeti plains, Ngorongoro conservation area, Rombo and Hai districts in the Kilimanjaro region and Tarime district in Mara, which all border Kenya. Crop yields are expected to fall because of the destruction. Parts of western Kenya are already affected. According to the regional agricultural officer, David Wanjala, the worst affected areas are Musembe and Koromaiti in Lugari district. He said farmers had incurred heavy losses, press reports noted. The ministry of agriculture is taking emergency measures to curb the infestation. Rwanda is also suffering from the worm, especially in the prefectures of Mutara, Kibungo and Bugesera. The Rwanda News Agency quoted Agriculture Minister Ephraim Kabayija who urged farmers to remain vigilant and inform the authorities on sighting the insects. The ministry has begun to implement necessary measures to ensure that teams of technicians are on the spot to fight the quickly multiplying worms.