Country: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan,

Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan

Title of project: Improving management of migratory and other locusts in

the Caucasus and Central Asia

Project symbol: TCP/INT/3202 (D)

Starting date: March 2009

Completion date: February 2011

Ministry responsible for Ministries of Agriculture

project implementation:

FAO contribution: USD 322 000

Signed: ............................................. Signed: .............................................................

(on behalf of the Government) Jacques Diouf

Director-General

(on behalf of the Food and Agriculture

Organization of the United Nations - FAO)

Date of signature: ............................. Date of signature: ...............................................

2

1. BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION

Locust in the Caucasus and Central Asia and impact on food security and national stability

Locusts and grasshoppers are the most important threat to agriculture in the Caucasus and

Central Asia. During infestations and outbreaks, the three main locust pests, the Migratory, the

Italian and the Moroccan locusts1, attack cereal crops, sunflowers, vineyards, vegetable, orchards

and rangelands and cause severe damage at agricultural, economic and social levels. They

jeopardize food security and livelihood in both regions as well as in adjacent areas of

Afghanistan and the Russian Federation, with which the Caucasian and the Central Asian

countries share very long borders (and to a lesser extent, with China). The most affected

populations are often the most vulnerable communities living in the concerned rural areas, whose

health and environment can moreover suffer from negative impacts of locusts control operations.

Agricultural production systems are particularly vital to the viability and growth of the young

republics of the Caucasus and the Central Asia, which increasingly rely on agriculture. Their

stability is prone to disturbances by several external pressures, including locust outbreaks. This is

particularly true in the current context of soaring food prices. The threat to the Caucasus, Central

Asia and bordering areas of the Russian Federation is all the more serious as the locust situation

has worsened since the eight former Soviet Republics (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia,

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) gained their independence in

1991; indeed significant areas of formerly arable land were abandoned and became weedy

fallows whose vegetation cover and plants favors locust breeding and subsequent increases in

numbers. In addition, because of their bio-ecological characteristics (adaptability, flexibility and

reactivity), locust species are becoming even more dangerous in the context of exceptional

weather events associated with climate change. In particular, locust situations deteriorated with

recurrent droughts in the beginning of the twenty-first century (mainly in 2006-2007). For

instance, there was a significant increase of the infested areas in Uzbekistan, from

190 000 hectares treated in 2005 to 450 000 hectares in 2006 and 2007, and 559 000 hectares in

2008. Neighbouring countries face similar situations.

A problem shared at regional level

Locusts are migrant pests, able to fly over up to 100 km by day and settle new areas, which

enhances their pest status. In the Caucasus and Central Asia, the context is largely complicated

by countries’ geographical configuration, which results in frequent locust back and forth

movements as well as swarm flights across political boundaries. In the Caucasus, permanent

breeding areas of Italian and Moroccan locusts are located along the borders. In Central Asia,

Moroccan locust outbreaks often originate along borders between Afghanistan, Tajikistan,

Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, while traditional Italian locust breeding areas are located between

Kazakhstan and Russia and, to a minor extent, China. Permanent migratory locust habitats are

rivers, lakes and internal sea banks and coasts, often acting as borders between countries (see

Annex 1). Although movements of locust populations are not common between the Caucasus and

Central Asia, both are affected by the same three locust pests and have large borders with the

Russian Federation.

FAO assistance and initiatives to support Caucasian and Central Asia countries

In the past, the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO), provided

assistance to several countries in the two regions. Georgia received support for controlling the

1 Locusta migratoria migratoria (Linnaeus, 1758); Calliptamus italicus (Linnaeus, 1758); Dociostaurus maroccanus

(Thunberg, 1815).

3

Italian locust in 1997-1998, through the project TCP/GEO/6712 (USD1 94 000), while Armenia,

following a significant Italian locust outbreak in 2003, was assisted for a smooth implementation

of the two next locust campaigns (TCP/ARM/3002 of USD 345 000). Both projects provided

equipment and technical assistance, including on-the-spot training. In Armenia, Ultra-Low

Volume (ULV) technology2, which is recognized as the most efficient one for locust control, was

also introduced with related training.

In Afghanistan, where Moroccan and Italian locust outbreaks can last several years, FAO

assistance was provided during the last major Moroccan locust outbreak, which started in 2002 in

the northern part of the country, with some remaining infestations until the spring of 2005. Over

this period, six emergency projects (one TCP and five OSRO) were implemented. The two first

(TCP/AFG/2801, of USD 391 000, and OSRO/AFG/202/USA, of USD 260 000) contributed to

the implementation of the 2002, 2003 and 2004 locust campaigns by providing equipment and

technical assistance. Environmentally friendly new control technologies like Insect Growth

Regulator Pesticides (IGR)3 were also introduced.

In 2004-2005 three additional OSRO projects were approved, for a total amount

of USD 400 000, funded by Norway, Sweden and the United States of America

(OSRO/AFG/406/NOR, OSRO/AFG/407/SWI and OSRO/AFG/411/SWI). They provided

pesticides and related training. Finally, in 2005-2006, the project OSRO/AFG/502/USA, which

concerned both locust and sunnpest control (USD 1 979 919), provided vehicles, training and

information awareness at a village level.

Kazakhstan received FAO assistance through three TCP projects for locust control, mainly the

Italian locust, (TCP/KAZ/6711 in 1997/98, TCP/KAZ/8921 in 1999 and TCP/KAZ/0065 in

2000-2002), for a total amount of USD 615 000. They provided survey, control and office

equipment, training and technical assistance and allowed introduction of ULV technology as well

as realization of comparative studies on pesticides efficiency.

In Tajikistan, two TCP projects were implemented against Moroccan locust

in 1996 (TCP/TAJ/5611) and 2003-2004 (TCP/TAJ/2902), for a total amount of USD 724 000,

and contributed to procure equipment and technical assistance. IGR was well accepted (now

registered) while ULV technology was unsuccessfully introduced. In 2007, due to a new

Moroccan locust outbreak following the 2006-2007 drought, a three-month Central Emergency

Response Fund (CERF)4 grant (project OSRO/TAJ/702/OCHA, of USD 120 000) provided

assistance to the locust campaign, mainly through pesticide delivery. Another CERF project, of

USD 410 163, was approved in April 2008 for another three-month period to fund procurement

of equipment, general operating expenses, training and awareness campaign.

Final recommendations of the above described national emergency projects, called for a long-

term locust management system and regional cooperation (including cross-border operations),

training, improved monitoring and further introduction or development of new environmentally

friendly control technologies.

In addition, following serious Italian and Moroccan locust crisis in Kazakhstan (8.5 million

hectares controlled in 2000) in 1999-2000, four Central Asian countries and the Russian

Federation requested the FAO assistance in formulating proposals for the establishment of a

regional coordination body for locust management in Central Asia (August 2000). A Technical

2 Formulation of pesticides.

3 I.e. chemical compounds disturbing the moulting process during the hopper instars, which eventually kills the

hoppers. 4 United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

4

Cooperation Programme (TCP) project was implemented in 2001-2002 (TCP/RAS/0167) and

proposals were formulated, as originally planned. The purpose of the present TCP is not to

establish a FAO Commission but to improve national and regional locust management through

effective and immediate technical cooperation.

The Caucasian and Central Asian countries are well aware of the necessity to develop a common

regional approach in addition to strengthen and update their national capacities; they have

recently stressed their interest in this regard. Over the past two years, FAO has indeed received

official requests for assistance from all nine concerned governments, which raise concerns about

the national locust context and highlight the transboundary nature of the pests and their impact at

regional level. It should also be noted that the Russian Federation has expressed and reiterated

verbally its willingness in participating in a regional approach.

Considering the transboundary nature of the three concerned locust pests as well as the

Caucasian and Central Asian countries’ geographical configuration, any long-term solution to

these locust issues can only result, in addition to adequate preparation by each single country,

from concerted joint efforts by all countries. This is demonstrated by FAO’s experience in other

geographical areas with other transboundary pests, including locusts and mainly the Desert locust

in the framework of the Emergency Prevention System for Transboundary Animal and Plant

Pests and Diseases (EMPRES) programme. The fact that locust infestations and outbreaks

become more frequent and intense in the two regions confirms the urgency to define and

implement a regional strategy for better locust management, both in terms of preventive control

and joint efforts during outbreaks and upsurges.

Consequently, it is essential to launch effective regional cooperation as well as to build

capacities, better anticipate and mitigate locust disasters, and improve response mechanisms to

locust outbreaks. Special emphasis should be given to promoting more economical, actualized

and less environmentally hazardous locust control practices based on effective monitoring and

efficient control strategies such as more targeted spraying and use of alternative to conventional

pesticides, thus mitigating environmental impact. This can be achieved through the establishment

of a regional network, training, policy advice and on-the-spot technical assistance, data flow and

information exchange among countries, development of common strengthened strategies for

locust management, transboundary policy, joint activities (i.e. cross border operations), intra-

regional assistance, early warning systems, introduction or development of environmentally

friendly control practices and techniques (high-precision global positioning system [GPS];

controlled ULV, spraying, IGR, biopesticides), development of recent monitoring technologies

and tools for early detection (remote sensing imagery, geographic information systems [GIS],

etc.), preparation of contingency plans, access to background documentation and literature,

information awareness amongst national and local communities and enhanced visibility on

migratory and other locusts situation and management in the Caucasus and Central Asia.

II. OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSISTANCE

The strategic long term objective is to reduce the occurrence and intensity of locust outbreaks in

the Caucasus and Central Asia, thus preventing damage to crops and rangeland as well as related

impact on food security and livelihood of the most vulnerable rural communities.

The immediate objective is to improve national and regional locust management in the Caucasus

and Central Asia through regional cooperation.

5

III. EXPECTED RESULTS

The immediate project beneficiaries are the national control units and plant protection services of

the concerned countries, whose technical capacities will be strengthened and updated through

intra-regional exchanges, joint activities and the FAO technical assistance.

The ultimate beneficiaries of this approach are the communities living in locust outbreak and

invasion areas of the Caucasus and Central Asia, including the most vulnerable ones in rural

areas, whose food security will be preserved through improved crop and rangeland protection.

Expected outputs:

• an analytic report is produced, which provides a clear picture of current locust situation and

of its management in the Caucasus and Central Asia, with detailed information on common

issues, gaps, constraints and challenges, especially in areas near/across the borders, and of

countries’ needs and expectations regarding the main features of regional cooperation;

• a report is produced following the regional consultation, in which ways and modalities for

regional cooperation, as discussed and agreed on by countries, as well as the resulting

implementation schedule are presented;

• standard forms for survey and control operations are discussed, agreed on and used by

countries for national collection of locust information;

• consistent national bulletins, whose format is discussed and agreed on by countries, are

issued on a monthly basis from April to October 2009 and 2010 and despatched at regional

level;

• a technical document is produced following a regional technical workshop, which reports on

countries’ discussions on technical issues, national locust situations, latest developments

regarding environmentally friendly control strategies/techniques, etc. and include an

inventory of existing technical and scientific documentation on locusts;

• assessment of locust situation is conducted in at least two countries (beneficiaries from the

TCP project having required specific assistance or facing a critical situation);

• on-the-spot technical advice is delivered to countries and relevant equipment is procured for

better locust monitoring and control, thus contributing to strengthen and update technical

capacities of national control units and plant protection services;

• information and communication material on current locust situations and management in the

Caucasus and Central Asia (including webpage, articles, etc.) is produced and despatched to

media and other stakeholders.

IV. WORK PLAN AND PROJECT ACTIVITIES

The project will have a two-year duration. It will include the activities described hereafter,

aiming at launching regional cooperation and implementing immediate technical actions, both at

national and regional levels, while building capacities in the Caucasus and Central Asia:

a) Analyse data on locust situations and management in all countries and identify nature and

extent of cooperation desired by countries.

Following collection of information on locust situations and management in Kazakhstan,

Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan as well as in the Russian Federation

(July 2008 and September 2008), similar information will be collected for the remaining

countries, namely Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia through a round mission in the Caucasus

(beginning of 2009) as well as in Afghanistan. A detailed questionnaire will be transmitted to

the countries to facilitate information collection. The mission in the Caucasus will allow FAO

6

experts to meet officials from ministries (mainly agriculture, environment and foreign affairs)

and UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)/FAO representations,

intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), research

centres, traditional partners and potential donors, etc. Afterwards, a detailed and analytical

report will be prepared, bringing to light shared background knowledge and experience,

common features, constraints and challenges on locust situations and management in the nine

concerned countries, especially in areas near/across the borders, and presenting

conclusions/findings and recommendations/proposals.

b) Propose to countries, for their discussion and agreement, ways and modalities for immediate

regional cooperation and related implementation schedule.

After completion of the round trip missions and analysis of information gathered, a four day

regional consultation will be organized in the spring 2009, with representatives of each of the

nine concerned countries. The meeting will discuss ways and modalities for regional

cooperation, on the basis of the main findings and recommendations resulting from national

information analysis. Countries shall indicate their preferences regarding the establishment of

an informal network (specific agreements for targeted activities may be retained adequate)

and related technical activities to be implemented. In this regard, a list of immediate technical

actions/activities will be discussed and agreed on, with related implementation schedule.

c) Facilitate information sharing and exchange at regional level to monitor and manage locust

issues.

In order to allow each country to monitor regional situations and adopt timely and

appropriate measures when required, it is essential to establish and maintain regular

information sharing and exchanges of standardized data on locust situations, activities

undertaken and results obtained. This can be achieved through the design, agreement and use

by all countries of standardized specific forms for survey and control operations and issuance

of consistent and standardized national bulletins on a monthly basis. This activity will start in

the spring 2009, immediately after the regional consultation mentioned above, fitting with the

beginning of the locust campaign.

d) Allow direct experience exchange and constructive discussion on technical issues.

A regional technical workshop, attended by experts from the nine concerned countries, will

be organized during the spring 2010 with the purpose of initiating concrete technical

cooperation between staff involved in locust survey, monitoring, management and control

operations. Technicians will exchange experience to their mutual benefit and discuss ongoing

and forthcoming locust campaigns, implementation of joint activities, format of survey and

control forms as well as national monthly bulletins, latest developments regarding, for

instance, more environmentally friendly pesticides and formulations, etc. At this occasion,

they will receive an inventory of existing relevant publications (in English and Russian) as

well as the Russian version of the last Pesticide Referee Group (PRG) meeting report held in

2004 (the report of the penultimate meeting held in 1998 being already available in Russian

and highly appreciated by countries).

e) Assess locust situation in project beneficiary countries having requested specific assistance

or facing a critical situation, and provide related technical assistance.

Locust situation will be assessed in at least two beneficiary countries, which have required

specific assistance or in whose locust situation is critical in July/August 2008, during

7

spring/summer 2009 or spring 2010. Basic equipment, such as GPS, entomological kits,

laptops and digital cameras, will be procured for these countries. During project

implementation, standard procedures and guidelines as well as on-the-spot technical advice

will be delivered or provided by FAO headquarters experts and consultants as and when

required by countries, including during round trip missions, regional consultation and

technical workshop. Such assistance may regard preparation and/or implementation of the

2009 and 2010 locust control campaigns, facilitation of exchanges between countries, new

technologies, etc. It will contribute to strengthen national capacities and improve survey and

control operations with the longer view of better mitigating locust disasters and improving

response to outbreaks.

f) Enhance visibility of locust issues and management in the Caucasus and Central Asia.

Migratory and other locusts’ situations and management in the Caucasus and Central Asia

will be better advertised to all stakeholders during the duration of the project, with focus on

transboundary nature and regional response, through preparation and despatch of information

and communication material (Web page, leaflets and articles for media, etc.).

V. FAO INPUTS

1. Personnel services

International consultants:

• locust expert with outstanding knowledge and experience of locusts and grasshoppers in

the Caucasus, Central Asia and the Russian Federation (analysis of locust situations and

management, regional consultation, technical workshop and preparation of an inventory

of existing technical/scientific documentation on locusts): nine weeks, including

three field missions for a total of 24 days;

• locust expert, locust situation assessment: 11 weeks, including two field missions for a

total of 60 days.

FAO Technical Support Services (TSS):

• officers of the FAO locust group: 15 weeks (of which four at headquarters for desk

work), including three missions (including round missions).

National consultants:

• two national consultants, meeting arrangements (regional consultation and technical

workshop): 15 days each;

• nine national consultants (one for each country), information collection, standardization

and sharing: 37 days each;

• two national consultants, plant protection specialist (locust situation assessment): 50 days

each.

Administrative support:

• interpreters;

• translators.

2. Contracts:

• four day “Regional Consultation on Cooperative Locust Management in the Caucasus and

Central Asia” (USD 27 000);

8

• five day “Regional Workshop on Locust Control Practices” (USD 19 000).

3. Non-expendable equipment:

• GPS (15);

• entomological kits (15);

• laptops (three);

• digital cameras (three).

4. General Operating Expenses (GOE)

Administrative expenses related to the implementation of the project at local level.

5. Direct Operating Expenses (DOC)

Administrative expenses related to the implementation of the project at the headquarters

level.

VI. REPORTING

During and after the project implementation, several reports will be issued as follows:

• following collection of related information, issuance of a technical report on locust situations

and management in the Caucasian and Central Asian countries will be prepared under the

FAO Locust Officer’s supervision (spring 2009);

• following regional consultation, a report on ways and modalities for regional cooperation will

be produced by the FAO experts on the basis of countries’ decisions, and include the agreed

implementation schedule;

• at the end of the technical workshop, a final document will be issued, reporting on countries’

discussions on technical issues, national locust situations, latest developments regarding

environmentally friendly control strategies/techniques, etc, and include an inventory of

existing technical and scientific documentation on locusts;

• a mission report with main results, conclusions and recommendations will be provided by

each international and national consultant (i.e. on 2008 locust situation in the visited

countries, etc.) within one month after completion of each single mission;

• the project terminal statement, prepared by the FAO locust group, Plant Protection Service

(AGPP), will present the main results and conclusions of the project, in addition to the FAO

recommendations to the governments.

VII. GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTION

As part of their contribution to the project, the governments of the nine beneficiary countries will

facilitate the project implementation. This includes in particular nomination of a national

programme coordinator, who will liaise with FAO experts and make available the requested

information.

The governments will also designate the most appropriate representatives to participate to the

regional consultation and the technical workshop. In addition, the governments of the countries

hosting the regional consultation and the technical workshop will facilitate their organization and

provide facilities as requested in close collaboration with national consultants, UNDP/FAO

Representations and FAO headquarters.

9

The concerned governments shall also assist in the identification of national consultants

(proposing suitable candidates) for collecting information and preparing national monthly

bulletins on the one hand and for assisting the international consultant responsible for locust

situation assessment on the other.

Overall, subject to any security provisions in force, the governments shall furnish to FAO experts

any relevant reports, tapes, records and other data as may be required for the execution of the

project.

VIII. SUSTAINABILITY AND KEY FOLLOW-UP PROCEDURES

Several points will contribute to ensure sustainability. First, there is a growing awareness that

only a regional approach allows dealing with locusts on a satisfactory way. This is particularly

true in the current context in which infestations and outbreaks become more frequent and intense

in the regions and in which it appears necessary to find quickly a common and sustainable long-

term solution to locust issues. Both high level officials and technicians know that the creation of

a regional technical network is a prerequisite for any successful approach. Another key point in

terms of sustainability is, more generally, that the concerned countries are today more open to

regional and international collaboration than a few years ago and they now request and welcome

external expertise; it is significant that all of them have become FAO members over the past

years.

Then, good theoretical and field locust knowledge exists in the Caucasian and Central Asian

countries, as well as good basic education of technical staff. The scientific locust knowledge as

well as GIS and field experience available in some countries such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

as well as in the Russian Federation, are also of great interest for other countries of the two

regions (for better locust monitoring and management, further training and production of

scientific and extension material, etc.). What needs to be done will therefore not be starting from

scratch but concerns updating, harmonizing and disseminating knowledge, widely introducing

the latest available techniques for survey and control operations and allowing technical

exchanges and common activities between countries. In this regard, it is worth mentioning that

gathering the two regions in a single approach will allow each region to benefit from the

experience of the other.

Finally, this project, as expected, has a catalytic potential since donors recognize the need for a

regional approach; several of them already expressed interest in funding such approach in the

Caucasus and Central Asia. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID),

together with FAO (Regular Programme), has already contributed financially to its very first

step, i.e. collection of information on locust situations and management in July and September

2008 in six of the nine countries covered by the project. Overall, a large number of donors were

contacted, in particular those already involved in locust issues in the Caucasus and Central Asia

(currently or in the past) and meetings were held with their representatives in the beneficiary

countries, as follows: representatives of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Secretariat of

Central Asian Countries Initiative for Land Management (CACILM), the European Commission

(EC), including its Humanitarian Aid Department (ECHO), the European Union TACIS

Programme, France, Japan Embassies and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the

German Agency for Technical cooperation (GTZ), the Swedish International Development

Cooperation Agency (SIDA), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

and the World Bank.

10

IX. RISKS AND CONSTRAINTS

Risk Impact Probability Mitigation

Major CIT/

DMA/LMI outbreaks

in at least two

countries of the

Caucasus or Central

Asia.

Poor information on

population dynamics to

feed the information

network and

unavailability of

technicians to participate

in regional activities,

which could hamper

exchange of information/

regional network.

Medium Further facilitate

immediate and extensive

exchange of information

between countries and with

donors; obtain data on

control operations from

infested countries and more

detailed information from

other countries to have an

overview of regional locust

situation.

Major LMI outbreak

elsewhere.

FAO Locust Officer no

more available for the

Caucasus and Central

Asia.

Low Identification of funding to

recruit consultant.

Major desert locust

upsurge in West or

North-west Africa.

FAO Locust Officer

partially available for the

Caucasus and Central

Asia.

Low Identification of funding to

recruit consultant.

Exceptional weather

events, not suitable

for locust (drought,

cold winter, etc.)

Change of focus from

nationals and traditional

partners.

Low More visibility given to

locust issues through all

available means.

Unavailability of

human resources,

including experts,

translators and

interpreters.

Technical assistance

would not be provided as

planned by international

consultants.

Unavailability of national

experts could also hamper

exchange of information/

regional network.

Low Identify the relevant

persons/institutions and

find an agreement with

them well in advance.

Conflicts between

countries.

No data from insecure

areas. Withdrawal of one

country from the project.

Low as

project

concentrate

on

technical

aspects.

Historical data and data

from neighbouring areas

that still allow establishing

regional strategy.

11

PROJECT BUDGET

(FAO contribution in USD)

Country: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan,

Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan

Title of project: Improving migratory and other locusts management in the

Caucasus and Central Asia

Project symbol: TCP/INT/3202 (D)

Comp. Component Description

Sub

Comps.

Main

Comp.

5013 Consultants 97 260

5542 Consultants - International 50 960

5543 Consultants - National 46 300

5544 Consultants - TCDC/TCCT -

5545 Consultants - Retired Experts -

5014 Contracts 46 000

5650 Contracts Budget 46 000

5020 Overtime 11 000

5652 Casual Labour - Temporary Assistance 11 000

5021 Travel 62 100

5661 Duty travel others (only FAO staff) 500

5684 Consultants - International 37 800

5685 Consultants - National 1 500

5686 Consultants - TCDC/TCCT -

5687 Consultants - Retired Experts -

5694 Travel - Training -

5692 Travel TSS 21 800

5698 Travel - Non staff (e.g. counterparts) 500

5023 Training -

5920 Training Budget -

5024 Expendable Equipment -

6000 Expendable Equipment -

5025 Non Expendable Equipment 18 450

6100 Non Expendable Equipment Budget 18 450

5027 Technical Support Services 55 500

6111 Report Costs 1 950

6120 Honorarium TSS 53 550

5028 General Operating Expenses 10 625

6300 General Operating Expenses Budget 10 625

5029 Support Cost 21 065

6118 Direct Operating Costs 21 065

Grand Total 322 000

12

Annex 1

DISTRIBUTION AREAS OF THE ITALIAN, THE MOROCCAN AND THE

MIGRATORY LOCUSTS IN THE CAUCASUS AND CENTRAL ASIA

Figure 1: Outbreak and distribution areas of the three main locust pests in the Caucasus

Figure 2: Distribution areas of the three main locust pests in Central Asia

15

Annex 2

TERMS OF REFERENCE

FAO Technical Support Staff

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Locust Officer, the Plant

Production and Protection Division (AGP), will supervise and, with other Locust Group staff,

contribute to the project implementation, including collection and analysis of technical

information on locust situation and management in the nine concerned countries, preparation

and presentation of a related analytic report to countries; organization of a technical workshop

and preparation of material for increased visibility of locust management activities in the

Caucasus and Central Asia. More specifically, the locust group staff will perform the following

tasks in the framework of the present project:

• following similar missions organized in Central Asia and the Russian Federation in July and

September 2008, supervise, prepare and participate in a round trip mission in Armenia,

Azerbaijan and Georgia, at the beginning of 2009, to meet relevant staff of appropriate

ministries (mainly agriculture and environment), United Nations Development Programme

(UNDP)/FAO Representations and Offices, traditional or potential donors and any other

relevant bodies/intergovernmental organizations (IGOs)/non-governmental organizations

(NGOs) in order to: a) collect updated information on national locust situations and

management; b) provide information on FAO procedures as well as on FAO experience of

other pests in other regions; and c) identify needs and expectations of the different

governments, regarding nature and extent of intended cooperation;

• ensure liaison with the FAO Representation in Afghanistan in order to obtain relevant

information on national locust situation and management;

• supervise and contribute to preparation of a detailed and exhaustive report gathering and

analysing the huge amount of diversified information collected in the nine concerned countries,

bringing to light common features as well as gaps in national locust management, and

presenting mission conclusions and recommendations;

• supervise and organize the regional consultation which will be held in the spring 2009, and

present the above-mentioned report to countries, including main findings and

recommendations, for discussion. Following consultation, finalize its proceedings and the

above mentioned report;

• as an output of the regional consultation, also prepare a medium/long-term multidonor regional

project on locust management in the Caucasus and Central Asia, propose it to donors and

ensure follow-up with the FAO Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia in

Budapest;

• supervise, organize, and participate in a regional technical workshop bringing together

technical representatives from the nine Caucasian and Central Asian countries, prepare the

related preparatory technical documents, and report on countries’ discussions on technical

issues, national locust situations, latest developments regarding environmentally friendly

control strategies and techniques, etc. in the minutes/report of the workshop;

• prepare and despatch material for increased visibility of locust management in the Caucasus

and Central Asia (including a webpage dedicated to locust pests other than the desert locust,

extension documents, leaflets and articles for media, etc.);

• prepare official correspondence for the FAO national and regional counterparts, countries,

donors, experts, etc, and supervise preparation of any other relevant documents.

16

Duration

Fifteen weeks (of which four at headquarters for desk work), including three missions

(including one round-trip mission).

Duty station

FAO headquarters, with a round trip mission in the Caucasian countries and visit to the

Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia.

17

Annex 3

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Locust Expert

International Consultant

Under the supervision of the Locust Officer and in collaboration with other staff of the locust

group of the Plant Protection Service (AGPP), the international consultant, locust expert, will

contribute to: a) collect and analyse technical information on locust situations and management,

b) prepare a related analytic report and provide related technical inputs during the regional

consultation, c) lead the technical workshop as moderator and resource person, and d) ensure

the preparation of an inventory of existing technical and scientific documentation on locusts (in

English and Russian). More specifically, he/she will:

• participate in a round trip mission scheduled for the beginning of 2009 in Armenia, Azerbaijan

and Georgia, to meet staff of relevant ministries (mainly agriculture and environment), United

Nations Development Programme (UNDP)/FAO representations, donors and any other

relevant bodies/intergovernmental organizations (IGOs)/non-governmental organizations

(NGOs) in order to: a) collect updated information on national locust situations and

management, with focus on technical aspects, especially regarding development of locust

situation over the past five to ten years, b) provide updated information to countries on latest

technologies for locust control and c) contribute to identify needs and expectations of the

different governments regarding nature and extent of intended cooperation;

• contribute to prepare a detailed and exhaustive report gathering and analysing information

collected in the nine concerned countries, with particular focus on technical aspects, bringing to

light common features as well as gaps in national locust management, and presenting mission

conclusions;

• during the regional consultation (spring 2009) in which the above mentioned joint report will

be presented and discussed with and between countries, provide technical information and

updates as well as any relevant comments on main findings and recommendations;

• lead debates as moderator and resource person during the technical workshop which will be

held during the spring 2010 (which includes, among others: opening and closing speeches,

participants introduction, brief summary of debate for each item, provide updated information

on latest technical developments, etc.);

• prepare an inventory of existing technical and scientific documentation and literature on locusts

present in the Caucasus and Central Asia (in English and Russian), and provide full references

(including web links when available);

• provide executive summaries in English of documents made available by countries in Russian;

• prepare correspondence to countries, donors, experts, etc, and any other relevant documents,

also in Russian;

• upon completion of the mission, submit a final report to FAO headquarters giving a brief

description of activities undertaken, results and recommendations.

Duration Nine weeks, including three missions for a total of 24 days in the field.

Duty station Home station, round trip missions in three countries and briefing/debriefing in FAO

headquarters.

18

Qualifications Ph.D. in agronomy or plant protection. Outstanding knowledge on bioecology of locusts and

grasshoppers in the Caucasus, Central Asia and the Russian Federation. Theoretical and field

experience (ten years minimum) of locust campaigns, i.e. locust surveying and related monitoring,

use of control techniques, including environmentally friendly ones (Ultra-Low Volume

technique, insect growth regulators, biopesticides, etc.) and related field trials. Knowledge of

new tools and technologies in particular of remote sensing and geographic information systems

(GIS). Ability to lead workshops as well as educational ability. Working knowledge of English

and Russian, including ability to work on locust related issues in both languages. Experience

with United Nations agencies desirable.

19

Annex 4

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Locust Expert (Locust Situation Assessment)

International Consultant

Under the supervision of the Locust Officer, Plant Production and Protection Service (AGPP),

and in close collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

(FAO) Representation in the country or the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Office, the national consultant, the plant protection specialist and the international consultant(s),

the locust expert(s) will assess current locust situation in at least two countries, provide

technical advice and on-the-spot training, and assist in preparation/implementation of a locust

campaign. In particular, he/she will:

• assess the current locust situation including the ecological conditions, and gather relevant data

(status of the locust populations [phase, stage of development, average size of the hopper

groups and/or swarms, density], development speed, size of infested areas, damage

[percentage], affected crops [nature and development stage], etc.) to get a full picture and be in

a position of establishing forecast on the likely development of this situation over the next

weeks (and months) and the threat it can pose at short and medium-terms, and of advising on

areas to be treated and how;

• identify areas under immediate threat which would justify control operations and provide

recommendations on the control techniques to be used;

• provide on-the-spot training to the accompanying national consultant, plant protection

specialist, and to the Ministry of Agriculture, AGPP and/or Locust Unit staff, in particular

during the field assessment surveys; assist national staff if required, in particular in data

management (collection, analysis, transmission, etc.), training and awareness of local

populations;

• promote the use of the “FAO Guidelines for Desert Locust” in particular volumes two, three,

four and six (survey, information management, control, safety measures) as reference manuals

for good practices;

• after having checked the available national capacity in terms of trained staff and suitable

equipment, list the items to be procured. Tentatively, USD 18 450 have been budgeted for

GPS, entomological kits, laptops and digital cameras;

• inform FAO headquarters and the local authorities of any findings in order to allow quick

decision/action;

• ensure that all data related to survey and control operations (i.e. precise location with global

positioning system [GPS] coordinates, exact nature of targets, size and density of the

infestations, spraying parameters, weather and environmental conditions, non-target fauna

observed, etc.) are transmitted to FAO headquarters on a timely basis;

• prepare a technical report describing in detail each point listed in the Terms of Reference:

activities undertaken, problems encountered and achievements, lessons learned, emerging

issues, conclusions and recommendations. This report should be submitted to FAO at the

completion of the consultancy;

• if applicable and justified by the field situation, prepare a draft project proposal to be discussed

with FAO headquarters.

20

Duration Eleven weeks, including at least two missions for a total of 60 days in the field, during the

project duration according to the intensity of locust infestations, during spring/summer 2009

and/or spring 2010.

Duty station Any Caucasian and Central Asian country where the development of the locust situation has to be

technically assessed, with in-country field trips.

Qualifications University degree or equivalent education in agronomy or plant protection. Good knowledge of

bioecology of locusts and grasshoppers including in the Caucasus, Central Asia and the Russian

Federation. Good theoretical and field experience (ten years minimum) in implementing locust

campaigns, carrying out surveys and applying control techniques, including environmentally

friendly ones (Ultra-Low Volume technique, insect growth regulators, biopesticides, etc.) and

related field tests. Working knowledge of English and Russian. Previous experience with United

Nations agencies desirable.

21

Annex 5

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Meeting Arrangements

National Consultants (two)

Under the supervision of Plant Production and Protection Service (AGPP), Locust Officer and

in close collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

Representation in the country or the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) office,

the national consultants will assist in the preparation and organization of a four day regional

consultation and a five day regional technical workshop, for a total of 15 working days each. In

particular, the national consultants will:

• identify and prepare facilities for regional consultation/technical workshop (venue, including

equipment for interpreters, lunch, coffee/tea breaks, etc.) and ensure timely availability of

stationery (including advertising streamers, flags, badges, etc.);

• identify appropriate interpreters or translators for recruitment;

• ensure timely print-out of documents;

• provide FAO headquarters and participants with flight timetables;

• assist in visa obtaining for participants;

• organize payments of DSA to participants;

• organize transfer and accommodation of participants;

• organize, if relevant, visit of national locust centre, research centre, etc.;

• assist in formatting and preparing minutes/reports of the meeting/workshop;

• upon completion of the mission, submit a final report to FAO headquarters giving a brief

description of activities undertaken, results and recommendations;

• provide evidence of all incurred cost for financial statement.

Duration Fifteen working days each, in spring 2009 (regional consultation) and spring 2010 (technical

workshop).

Duty station Location of regional consultation and technical workshop still to be identified.

Qualifications Ability to organize workshops and computer skills. Working knowledge of English and

Russian. Experience in plant protection or pest management. Experience with the United

Nations agencies desirable.

22

Annex 6

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Information Collection, Standardization and Sharing National Consultants (nine)

Under the supervision of Plant Production and Protection Service (AGPP), Locust Officer and

in close collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

Representation in the country or the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) office,

the nine national consultants (one for each concerned country) will assist in gathering and

standardizing information on locust situation and management and facilitate preparation of national

bulletins, regional information exchange, technical activities implementation and preparation of

events (regional consultation and technical workshop). In particular, each national consultant will:

• complete information gathered by the round-trip mission team if required, including through

research in national archives (i.e. additional data on past locust infestations), and ensure that

such data fit with the format proposed by the round-trip mission team;

• ensure availability of appropriate background and summarize information for his/her national

attendees to regional events (consultation and technical workshop);

• contribute to preparation and dispatch of monthly locust bulletins;

• investigate in national research centres, universities, etc. on projects or studies concerning

locusts, and on interest demonstrated to implement them or related activities;

• contribute to list and prioritize relevant national locust research activities;

• upon completion of the consultation, submit a final report to FAO headquarters giving a brief

description of activities undertaken, main features and possible recommendations as well as

list of people met.

Qualifications

Substantial background in plant protection or pest management. Knowledge of locust and

grasshopper bioecology in his/her own country. Working knowledge of English and Russian.

Experience with United Nations agencies desirable.

Duration

Thirty-seven working days each, including 19 days for collection and standardization of

relevant information and preparation of regional events, and 18 days for preparation of national

monthly locust bulletin (three days per month during six months).

Duty station Home station with in-country trips if needed.

23

Annex 7

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Plant Protection Specialist (Locust Situation Assessment)

National Consultant (Two)

Under the overall guidance of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

(FAO) Locust Officer and the direct supervision of the international consultant(s), locust expert

(locust situation assessment), and in close collaboration with the FAO Representation in the

country or the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Office, the national

consultants, plant protection specialists (at least two), will contribute to activities related to

locust situation assessment as follows:

• assist the international consultant, locust expert, in carrying out activities at national level, in

particular locust situation assessment and on-the-spot training to the Ministry of Agriculture,

Plant Protection Service and/or Locust Unit staff, using his/her knowledge of the project area to

enhance the appropriate and timely completion of this task;

• assist in visa obtaining, transfer and accommodation for international consultant;

• if relevant, identify appropriate interpreters for recruitment;

• establish, by email and phone, a regular flow of information between the field and FAO (in-

country Representation if relevant and headquarters) in order to ensure timely transmission of

technical data related to locust situation and management, and any other relevant information;

• ensure an effective dialogue and close coordination with the relevant national authorities;

• assist the international consultant in the compilation of locust and locust related data for the

preparation of reports to be submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture and FAO headquarters;

• carry out any other duty as may be assigned by the international consultant or FAO

headquarters in the framework of the above described assignment;

• upon completion of the mission, submit a final report to FAO headquarters giving a brief

description of activities undertaken, results and recommendations.

Duration

Fifty days each, during the project implementation period (summer 2008, spring/summer 2009

and/or spring 2010).

Duty station Home station with internal trips if needed.

Qualifications University degree or equivalent education in agronomy, plant protection or rural development.

Experience in plant protection or pest management. Working knowledge of English and Russian.

24

Annex 8

PROJECT REGIONAL CONSULTATION AND REGIONAL WORKSHOP

(CONTRACTS)

Tentative budget for budget line “Contract” is composed as mentioned hereafter. The final

budget will be determined in accordance with FAO rules and regulations.

• One four day “Regional consultation on Cooperative Locust Management in The

Caucasus and Central Asia” for 18 participants to discuss ways and modalities of regional

cooperation (USD 27 000). This includes participation (international travel) of two persons

per country (nine countries, out of which eight will be travelling):

• target participants: 18 staff, including nine decision makers directly involved in locust

management, and nine locust specialists expected to take direct part in locust national

and regional management;

• objective: countries discuss and agree on ways and modalities of regional cooperation

and approve related implementation schedule;

• duration: four days;

• cost estimate (in USD): materials, supplies and miscellaneous 12 600

travel (16 participants × USD 500) 8 000

allowance (16 × five days × USD 80) 6 400

Total 27 000

• One five-day “Regional Workshop on Locust Control Practices” for 18 participants to

initiate immediate concrete cooperation on locust related technical issues (USD 19 000). This

includes the participation (international travel) of one person per country (nine countries, out

of which eight will be travelling):

• Target participants: 18 staff, including nine technicians directly involved in locust

management and other experts and officers expected to take direct part in locust national

and regional management;

• objective: allow technicians to improve mutual knowledge of national locust situation

and management, exchange experience and discuss technical locust related issues;

• duration: five days;

• cost estimate (in USD): materials, supplies and miscellaneous 11 160

travel (eight participants × USD 500) 4 000

allowance (eight × four days × USD 80) 3 840

Total 19 000