Algeria Boosts Readiness to Combat Locust Plague in Southwest
Image: Algerie Eco
Takeaway
International agricultural firms and pesticide manufacturers should monitor the Algerian situation closely. Increased demand for pesticides and spraying equipment is likely in the short term. Investors should also watch for potential disruptions to agricultural supply chains and commodity prices if the locust plague is not effectively contained, impacting food processors and distributors operating in the region.
Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb chaired an interministerial meeting on Saturday, March 1, 2026, to assess the preparedness of a proactive action plan designed to contain locust propagation in certain southwestern wilayas (provinces). The meeting, held under the instructions of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, involved the participation of concerned governors via video conferencing. This evaluation is part of the regular monitoring of desert locust risks, especially given regional developments.
Algeria has a history of dealing with locust plagues, including a major invasion from 1864 to 1875 that caused widespread famine and sensitized the international community to the issue. In response to the 1987-1989 locust invasion, Algeria treated over 2 million hectares, representing more than 30% of the treated area in the Maghreb. The country's experience led to the suggestion of an integrated acridometeorological watch system for the Saharan breeding area. In 2005, Algeria treated 1.4 million hectares in four months to prevent a major locust plague.
Locust swarms can contain as many as 80 million locusts per square kilometer, with a single square kilometer able to consume the same amount of food in one day as 35,000 people. In past campaigns, Algeria has utilized both ground and aerial spraying, with the capability to treat approximately 316,000 hectares per day. The National Plant Protection Institute (INPV), a specialized Public Service of the Ministry of Agriculture, leads the tasks of Desert Locust prevention and control.
The potential economic impact of a locust plague is significant, with past infestations causing millions in crop losses across West Africa. Neighboring Tunisia has already called for regional cooperation with Libya and Algeria to confront the growing threat. In 2025, Algeria declared a state of alert, reporting locust swarms in at least 14 provinces, including regions near the Libyan border. Failure to contain the locusts could destabilize already fragile food systems and impact regional food security and economic stability.
Authorities will be closely monitoring weather patterns and ecological conditions, as winter and spring rains can create suitable breeding grounds for locusts. The FAO has urged countries in Northwest Africa to enhance monitoring and initiate early control measures. Key areas for surveys include the Sahara in Algeria, extending to southern Tunisia and western Libya. The next few weeks will be critical in determining the scale of the potential outbreak and the effectiveness of the preventative measures put in place.