FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANISATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS
FIVE-YEAR PROGRAMME FOR IMPROVING
NATIONAL AND REGIONAL LOCUST MANAGEMENT IN
CAUCASUS AND CENTRAL ASIA (CCA)
(PROJECT GCP/INT/134/USA)
MISSION REPORT
TRAINING WORKSHOP ON LOCUST MONITORING AND
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATED WITH
LOCUST JOINT BORDER SURVEY TAJIKISTAN-AFGHANISTAN
TAJIKISTAN, 27 MAY – 11 JUNE 2012
Said GHAOUT
Locust specialist
International Consultant
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACRONYMS 4
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 5
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 6
I- INTRODUCTION 7
II- BACKGROUND 8
III- FINANCIAL ASPECTS 8
IV- ORGANIZATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF JOINT SURVEY 9
A- Organizational aspects 9
B- Survey methodology 9
C. Summary of survey results 9
D. Technical support provided during joint survey 10
V- TRAINING WORKSHOP ON LOCUST MONITORING AND INFORMATION
MANAGEMENT 11
A- Opening ceremony 11
B- Purpose of the training workshop 11
C- Information on Participants 12
D- Programme 13
a. Survey process and methods 13
b. Survey form 14
c. Survey tools 14
d. Information and reporting 15
E- Evaluation of the participants 15
F- Closure of the Workshop 16
VI- CONCLUSION 16
VII- RECOMMANDATIONS 18
Annex 1: Terms of Reference 19
Annex 2: list of key persons met and places visited 21
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Annex 3: List of documents and other reference consulted 23
Annex 4. List of the participants to the cross-border survey between Tajikistan and Afghanistan
24
Annex 5. List of participants of the workshop held on 5-9 June in Kurgantybe, Tajikistan 25
Annex 6: Training Workshop Agenda 28
Annex 7: Standard survey form. 29
Annex 8: Monthly national locust bulletin template 30
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ACRONYMS
AGP Plant Production and Protection Division, FAO HQ
AGPMM
CCA
Locusts and Transboundary Plant Pests and Diseases
Caucasus and Central Asia
CIT Calliptamus italicus, Italian Locust
DMA Dociostaurus maroccanus, Moroccan Locust
EC Emulsifiable Concentrate
EMPRES Emergency Preventive System for transboundary animal and plant pests
and diseases (FAO)
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
GIS Geographical Information System
GPS Global Positioning System
HQ Headquarters
LMI Locusta migratoria, Asian Migratory Locust
LoA Letter of Agreement
MoA Ministry of Agriculture
MAIL Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and livestock
PPD Plant Protection Department
RAMSES Reconnaissance and Management System of the Environment of
Schistocerca (GIS data management)
PPQD Plant Protection and Quarantine Directorate
SMA Small Grant Agreements
SRUE State Republican Unitary Enterprise “Locust Control” Tajikistan
TCP Technical Cooperation Programme (FAO)
ULV Ultra-Low Volume
USAID United States Agency for International Development
USD United States Dollar
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The consultant expresses its sincere gratitude to Dr. Annie Monard, FAO Senior Officer,
Leader Locusts and transboundary plant pests and diseases (AGPMM) for her confidence and
support and to Ms Marion Chiris, Locust program Officer, who had made possible the
organization of the mission.
He also thanks the staff of the FAO Office in Tajikistan for its invaluable assistance during
the mission as well as to the Head of the State Republican Unitary Enterprise “Locust
Control” of Tajikistan for the hospitality and the facilities offered. The help and cooperation
of Mr. Tolibojon Hakimov, interpreter, is sincerely acknowledged and appreciated.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Within the framework of the FAO “Five-year programme for improving national and regional
locust management in Caucasus and Central Asia” (CCA), a training workshop on locust
monitoring and information management associated with a joint locust survey between
Tajikistan and Afghanistan was organized in Tajikistan from 27 May to 11 June 2012.
The joint survey was carried out from 30 May to 3 June 2012 in locust breeding areas of
southern Tajikistan. An eight-member team consisting of locust specialists from Tajikistan (5)
and Afghanistan (3) surveyed 750 km in Khatlon Province from Turgantybe to the Afghan
border during a five-day field trip. The ecological conditions were suitable for locust breeding
and significant populations of Moroccan Locust were found in copulation and egg-laying.
The survey highlighted the usefulness of familiarizing locust survey officers from both
countries with breeding areas to understand better the locust situation and strengthen
collaboration between the two countries.
The training workshop on locust monitoring and information management was delivered on
5-9 June 2012 to 24 persons (12 from each country) using a participatory style approach. The
programme covered survey basics, tools and field techniques. Survey basics concerned
different methods used to estimate locust infestations in the field, why surveys are made,
planning surveys and carrying out surveys. Survey tools covered map reading, compass,
anemometer, hygrometer, GPS and standard survey form, and trainees practiced using each
tool.
Furthermore, the importance of information and reporting was explained. Explanation was
also provided on how to prepare a national bulletin using the standard template.
The participants felt that the joint survey and training workshop were extremely useful and
instructive.
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I- INTRODUCTION
FAO initiated a “Five-year programme to improve national and regional locust management
in Caucasus and Central Asia (CCA)”. The programme was endorsed by all countries during
the regional consultation on locust management in CCA, held in October 2009, in Almaty,
Kazakhstan.
The objective of the programme is to contribute to safeguarding food security and the
livelihood of rural populations in Caucasus and Central Asia by limiting threat or damage to
crops and rangelands through reduction of occurrence and intensity of locust outbreaks, in
respect of human health and the environment. The programme is based on the key concepts of
locust preventive strategy.
The expected results of the programme are:
Result 1: Regional cooperation developed for better locust management
Result 2: National capacities strengthened
Result 3: Locust issues and disasters better anticipated and mitigated
Result 4: Improved response mechanisms to locust outbreaks
Result 5: Impact on human health and the environment mitigated and monitored
Result 6: Public information and awareness increased
The Programme, whose budget is of USD 7.8 million, was officially launched in October
2011 during the regional workshop held in Tbilisi, (Georgia), thanks to different funding
sources, in particular a USAID funded project (GCP/INT/134/USA). A Roadmap was
established for its implementation.
An important part of the programme is devoted to the development of national capacities and
regional cooperation associated with cross-border activities. It was planned on the one hand to
provide technical assistance on locust monitoring and information management to
Afghanistan during spring 2012 (Activity 4.1.1 of the Roadmap) and on the other hand to
organize a joint or cross-border survey between Afghanistan and Tajikistan (Activity 3.2. of
the Roadmap).
In that framework, it was initially planned to deliver the training in Afghanistan. However,
this had not been possible for security constraints and it was decided to hold it in Tajikistan.
The mission was therefore conducted from 27 May to 11 June 2012 in this country in order to
provide technical assistance on locust monitoring and information management and to deliver
a five-day training course on locust data management to technical staff from Tajikistan and
Afghanistan.
The Terms of Reference (ToR) of the mission are attached as Annex 1. The persons met by
the consultant are listed in Annex 2 and the documents available to him are provided in
Annex 3.
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II- BACKGROUND
Locusts and grasshoppers are the most important threat to agriculture in the Caucasus and
Central Asia (CCA). Three locust species, the Italian (CIT), the Moroccan (DMA) and the
Asian Migratory (LMI) locusts1, are present in this area. A major and common feature is that
locust permanent breeding and outbreak areas overlap national borders. These locust pests can
cause severe damage and jeopardize food security and livelihood of local populations. The
households most heavily affected by the locust infestations are in most of the cases those with
chronic vulnerability.
Several CCA countries experienced serious transboundary issues with locust hopper bands
and swarms crossing their common borders. Difficult access to neutral zones along the
borders hampered control activities, which resulted in some locust populations escaping
control. Several countries also reported shortage of modern tools and technologies for locust
survey and control operations, particularly insufficient means of transportation, Ultra-Low
Volume (ULV) equipment and Global Positioning System (GPS) devices. The need of
training national staff in the use of all modern monitoring and control technologies was also
crucial.
III- FINANCIAL ASPECTS
The programme is managed by the Locusts and Transboundary Plant Pests and Diseases Unit
(AGPMM) at FAO Headquarters and implemented by the countries. A major contribution to
this programme was received from USAID (USD1.6 million). For this mission, the funding
was as follows:
Joint survey:
The Five-year programme provides an assistance to a number of joint (or cross-border)
surveys held in CCA, through a lump sum of USD4,500 to be shared between the two
concerned countries (i.e. USD2,250/country). This lump sum covers, or contributes to, the
general operating costs (per diem, transportation and fuel); it aims at encouraging the CCA
countries to develop joint activities, and not necessarily at covering all expenses incurred for
such cross-border surveys. It was released through two Letters of Agreement (LoA)/Small
Grant Agreements (SMA), between FAO and Afghanistan on the one hand and between FAO
and Tajikistan on the other hand. The two countries were responsible for the organization of
the joint border survey. The Five-year programme allowed the participation of an
international specialist in locust management (the consultant), who provided in situ training
on survey operations during the joint survey between Afghanistan and Tajikistan. Project
GCP/INT/134/USA funded this activity.
Training workshop:
The training on locust monitoring and information management delivered by the consultant
1 Calliptamus italicus (Linnaeus, 1758); Dociostaurus maroccanus (Thunberg, 1815); Locusta migratoria
migratoria (Linnaeus, 1758).
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was funded by the project GCP/INT/134/USA. The organization of the training was ensured
by the State Republican Unitary Enterprise (SRUE) “Locust Control”, Ministry of
Agriculture, Tajikistan, through a Letter of Agreement with AGPMM, FAO.
IV- ORGANIZATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF JOINT SURVEY
A- Organizational aspects
As part of preparation for organization of the joint survey, FAO and Ministry of Agriculture
of Tajikistan undertook the necessary arrangements for issuing security clearances and visas
for the participants from Afghanistan. The State Republican Unitary Enterprise (SRUE)
“Locust Control”, Ministry of Agriculture, of Tajikistan provided the survey equipment
(maps, compass, GPS).
Three locust experts from Afghanistan and five locust experts from Tajikistan participated in
the 5-day (30 May to 3 June 2012) joint survey together with the consultant and the
interpreter (Annex 4). Three vehicles belonging to SRUE were used.
Unfortunately, a single GPS only, recently provided by FAO with other survey equipment
(hygrometer, anemometer compass), was available.
The itinerary of the survey focused on potential areas of locust presence and breeding in
Khatlon Province, particularly along the Tajik-Afghan border (Annex 2). Five districts were
visited: Panj, Qumsangir, Farkhor, Hamadoni and Jilikul. Brief meetings were organized with
local authorities of the visited districts to explain the objectives of the mission. A total
distance of 750 km was covered during the joint survey.
B- Survey methodology
The bases of survey were observations made at the survey stops. At each stop, the locust
density was assessed through downside (into the wind) 200-meter foot transects in the
vegetation or by counting the number of locusts per square meter when locusts were
copulating and laying eggs. Temperature and relative humidity were recorded. The
coordinates of the survey stops were determined by GPS. The survey parameters at each
location are those of the CCA standard survey form. They included topography, locust
presence, appearance, behavior, maturity, density, and size of the infestation, rain received
vegetation cover and soil moisture. Pictures of the surveyed sites were also taken. Farmers,
locals, truck drivers were questioned along the way about locusts and rainfall. The time spent
collecting this information at each stop varied from 10-20 minutes. Habitat conditions were
also noted in between stops.
Surveys started at 7AM and continued until 5 PM with a mid-morning meal break. The day’s
results and observations were discussed in the evening.
C. Summary of survey results
During the survey, it was observed that ecological conditions in several areas visited were
favorable for locust breeding. As rain fell recently in these areas, particularly in Panj,
Qumsangir and Farkhor districts, vegetation was green, and the soil remained sufficiently
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moist for egg-laying.
Groups of transiens mature adults were seen copulating and laying eggs in three different
sites in Qumsangir district (N37°23'15"- E68°51'20"), covering 0.37, 0.56 and 0.5 ha
respectively. A low density swarm was seen on a cotton crop of 6 ha causing significant
damage. Two scattered swarms of approximately 50 and 20 ha were seen on 2 and 3 June
respectively at coordinates N37°22'47"- E69°20'26" and N37°45'08"- E68°34'57".
The joint survey team also attended a treatment of a group of mature adults in mating and
egg-laying in Gilikol (N37°46'08"- E68°34'57") covering an area of approximately 10 ha. The
treatment was carried out with tractor-driven sprayers using EC formulation of conventional
chemicals i.e. synthetic pyrethroids (Deltamethrine, Alpha-cypermethrine). The team also
found a high density of dead locusts on the ground caused by the treatments carried out a few
days earlier in a site called Boytodach (N37°46'08"- E68°34'57") in Qumsangir district.
Despite some mitigation measures (training, provision of protective clothing, guidelines, etc.)
taken by SRUE, attention dedicated to human health and environmental issues needs
improvement. Some empty containers used during the previous treatments were left on the
ground and the staff operating treatment using tractors was seen without protective clothing.
D. Technical support provided during joint survey
During the joint survey, the consultant provided technical support and training on survey and
data collection methods. Demonstrations were given on how to make foot transect to estimate
adult density and to collect the required information using the standard survey form. Some
information was also given concerning biology, ecology and behavior of the Moroccan
Locust. Demonstrations on the use of GPS to calculate the infested area and for navigation
were also provided.
During the discussion, some interesting questions were raised by the participants. For
instance, how to distinguish egg-pods of Moroccan Locust (DMA) from other species? It was
explained that the egg-pods present a considerable variety of structure and this makes it
possible to recognize the species to which a given egg-pod belongs to. Those of DMA are
easy to recognize: they have cylindrical shape, are very hard and strong, made of cemented
soil, and are slightly or strongly bent, depending on the character of the soil and the obstacles
(stones, etc.).
On the other hand, the Tajik participants expressed concern about the sudden and unexpected
increase in locust numbers, including a mature swarm in June because locust surveys carried
out previously did not allow anticipating such event. This may suggest that there are gaps in
survey coverage or that the used survey methodology does not provide an accurate overview
of the real situation.
The head of the Afghan delegation stated that it was not possible to carry out survey in 2012
in all locust-affected areas of Afghanistan because of lack of staff and fund and inaccessibility
of some areas. He felt that the organization of such survey on a regular basis was needed to
assess the locust situation along the common border. He deemed the joint survey very useful.
All the participants strongly reaffirmed the importance of carrying out the joint survey on an
annual basis.
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It is worth mentioning that during the joint survey it appeared that none of the participants had
used a standard survey form. Information is usually noted on their notebook. The need to
complete the standard survey form on the ground was emphasized in order to avoid forgetting
any required information.
V- TRAINING WORKSHOP ON LOCUST MONITORING AND INFORMATION
MANAGEMENT
Training is the basic ingredient of sustaining an effective national locust survey and control
programme. In the absence of regular training, national staff forget the technical skills
required to perform effective field survey, control and reporting. Therefore, it is critical to
organize and conduct training workshops on a regular basis in each country.
The approach adopted in the present training workshop on locust monitoring and information
management is that of participatory learning. This method requires active involvement of
trainees throughout the course and has been shown to be far more effective than training
based purely on lecturing.
The workshop took place in Hotel Istiqlol, Kurgantybe, Tajikistan, on 5-9 June 2012. Initially
it was planned that 12 participants from Afghanistan and 3 from Tajikistan would attend the
workshop. However, given the importance of the workshop topics, the host country expressed
the wish that nine additional participants could participate. The list of participants is given in
Annex 5.
A- Opening ceremony
The training workshop started with an opening speech of Mr Tojidin Sodigov, First Deputy of
the Agricultural Department in Khalton Province. He first welcomed the participants and
expressed his sincere gratitude for the support provided by FAO to his country over the past
years. After having recalled the main features concerning agriculture and locust management
in Tajikistan, he underlined the transboundary nature of the locust pests. He expressed the
wish to strengthen the cooperation in this field between neighboring countries sharing
common locust issues.
Mr Quiyamodine Ganiev, Head of SRUE, welcomed all the participants particularly those
from Afghanistan. He reminded participants the devastating nature of the Moroccan Locust,
considered the main pest threatening agriculture and food security in Tajikistan. He informed
the participants that his unit, in spite of being newly established, had made good progress in
controlling locust outbreaks. He thanked FAO for its collaboration and provision of technical
assistance. He wished a fruitful and successful work to all participants.
B- Purpose of the training workshop
The purpose of the training workshop was to strengthen the capacity of Tajik and Afghan staff
on locust monitoring and information management in order to allow them collecting high
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quality and standardized field data for further timely transmission in view of validation and
analysis at regional or central level. It also aimed at highlighting the importance of producing
high quality national monthly bulletins on locust situations and of transmitting them regularly
and timely to FAO for the preparation of the regional monthly bulletins.
C- Information on Participants
In order to gather information on experience, skill and age of the participants, participants
were asked to complete a form. The resulting analysis showed that the range age of the
participants was from 24 to 63 years old. About 46 percent were over 50 years old (figures 1
and 2). The oldest participants were from Tajikistan. Three of them were over 60 years old.
All participants had at least a one-year experience in locust control; 33,3% had been involved
in locust control campaign for more than 10 years.
In order to ensure greater benefit and sustainability of the workshop achievements, it will be
necessary to choose in the future the most appropriate participants. FAO should request
countries to provide a list of potential trainees from which the best qualified ones will be
selected based on age of and the profile required for the workshop.
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D- Programme
The training workshop was delivered using a participatory style approach consisting of
presentations, demonstrations, practical hands-on exercises in the classroom and in the field,
and general discussions. Lectures were kept to a bare minimum. Trainees were encouraged to
actively participate by working in groups. The programme covered survey basics, tools and
field techniques (Annex 6). Survey basics concerned different methods used to estimate locust
infestations in the field, why surveys are made, planning surveys and carrying out surveys
(how, reporting). Survey tools covered maps reading, compass, anemometer, hygrometer,
GPS and standard survey form, and trainees practiced using each tool. The main topics
covered were as follow:
a. Survey process and methods
The survey process was presented and discussed. The two basic types of survey (assessment
and search) were explained. It was emphasized that assessment surveys are first undertaken
to see if locusts are present. If significant populations are found, then the area is intensively
searched (called a search survey) to estimate the total infested areas and delimit them for
subsequent control operations.
The standard method of survey is to drive a vehicle through areas of suitable habitat, making
regular stops (about every 5 km) to conduct foot transects. At each stop the locust species
encountered, the number per surface unit (density) and the development stage are recorded, as
well as the type and conditions of ground vegetation.
Attention was drawn on the fact that foot transects should be performed by walking into or
across the wind and should not be undertaken during the middle of the day when it is too hot
and locusts are likely to be inside the vegetation and difficult to see. Transects should also not
14
be undertaken when the wind speed is more than approx. 6 m/s because locusts hide when the
wind is too strong. For hoppers, at least ten samples of one square meter on the ground must
be inspected and the number of hoppers seen recorded. Field exercises on foot transects were
conducted by the participants during the field visit.
b. Survey form
The standard survey form agreed by all CCA countries during the Regional Consultation on
locust management held in Almaty (Kazakhstan) in 2009 was presented and discussed (Annex
7). It was emphasized that each survey officer must have this form during survey operations.
The standard survey form should be complete in the field.
During the presentation, the participants raised many questions related to biology, physiology,
ecology and behavior of the Moroccan Locust. For instance, many participants could not
distinguish the hopper instars using the shape of wing buds; they only used the hopper size as
criteria, which often lead to confusion. Some of them were not able to distinguish either male
and female or gregarious and solitarious locusts. The consultant provided general information
on questions raised but deemed necessary to organize in the future specific training on locust
biology and ecology.
c. Survey tools
Some essential equipment needed during the survey was presented such as:
- Compass
- Thermometer
- Hygrometer
- Anemometer
- Global Positioning System (GPS)
- Map of 1:750 000 scale or less
- Hand tally counter.
Practical exercises have been organized on the use of these tools. Particular attention was
given to:
GPS: during the field visit, participants were trained on how to record the coordinate and how
to calculate the infested areas using this tool. Some basic information regarding navigation
function were also provided (bearing, routes..). It is worth mentioning that the participants
were eager to learn how to use GPS, but due to high number of the participants and the
availability of only one GPS, it was difficult to allow each participant to be familiarized with
all its application.
Map reading: following presentation on map reading, indoor exercises were organized using
map of 1:750.000 scale. The participants divided in groups were asked to determine the
coordinate of specific site and vise-versa to localize a specific coordinate on the map. They
were also asked to calculate the real distance between two points on the map.
Furthermore, the new technologies used in Desert Locust survey - particularly eLocust and
RAMSES- were briefly presented. It was explained that the survey officer can enter data
15
directly into a handheld device while at the survey location and then send it via satellite (and
with the exact geographical coordinates) to the Locust Unit HQ before moving to the next
stop. This system is called eLocust and the latest version is eLocust2. This system is in
operational use in all key Desert Locust countries. The role of RAMSES GIS was briefly
explained.
d. Information and reporting
The importance of information and reporting was highlighted. It was explained that
information from locust survey operations is used to assess the current situation and to
forecast future developments. From such assessments and forecasts, further survey and
control operations can be planned efficiently. Information is crucial and can be considered the
basis for all decisions and assessments. If the information is irregular, late or of poor quality,
proper decisions will not be able to be made by those in positions of authority. Poor decisions
can lead to the inefficient use of resources, crop damage and losses, and the continuation of
locust breeding and migration. Good information is linked to good decision-making and good
use of resources to combat locust effectively. Therefore, National Locust Unit Heads, Plant
Protection Department (PPD) Directors, regional organizations, donors, FAO staff and other
decision-makers all require good and timely information.
Participants were informed that information should be recorded on the standard survey form
during surveys. As soon as the locust survey Officer returns to the field base or office, the
completed form with the officer’s own assessment of the results should be transmitted
immediately to the National Locust Unit headquarters by fax or email.
Furthermore, explanation was provided on how to prepare a national bulletin using the
standard template (Annex 8) also agreed by all countries during the Regional Consultation
held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, in October 2009. It is also essential that countries send national
bulletins (fortnightly or monthly) to FAO on a timely manner and regular basis (and not later
that the 5th
of the next month). Every country should send at least one report every month to
FAO, even if no surveys or other activities have been carried out or no locusts have been
reported. It was also stated that all CCA countries should exchange their monthly bulletins by
email.
E- Evaluation of the participants
Pre- and post- training workshop assessments were made to measure trainees’ progress on
locust monitoring and information management (Annexes 9 and 10). The results indicated that
all trainees improved their knowledge during the training workshop with an average
improvement of about 37.5% (figure 3). They gained experience and abilities in conducting
locust survey and gathering the required information in the best effective and efficient way.
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F- Closure of the Workshop
Mr. Quiyamodine Ganiev, Head of SRUE, congratulated all participants for the fruitful
workshop and warmly welcomed the promoted cooperation between Tajikistan and
Afghanistan. He warmly thanked the consultant for tremendous support made to transfer the
knowledge to the participants. He noted that all the agenda items had been addressed
comprehensively and successfully. He deemed the workshop very instructive. He thanked also
all participants for their good contributions and added his wishes for a safe home journey. He
formally declared the training workshop closed.
In the closing remarks, the consultant, on behalf of FAO, thanked all participants for their
contributions and active participation. Then he expressed his thanks to FAO staff that had
made possible the organization of this mission. He also thanked the Head and staff of SRUE
for the hospitality and all arrangements made which resulted in a successful workshop.
A representative of the participants from Afghanistan thanked the consultant for his support
and congratulated him for having efficiently conducted the training workshop that is deemed
very useful and instructive.
VI- CONCLUSION
The activities undertaken during this mission contributed to the development of cooperation
between Tajikistan and Afghanistan for better locust management (Result 1 of the Five-year
programme) and to strengthen national capacities of both countries in locust monitoring and
information management (Result 2 of the programme).
Concerning the joint survey, the participants felt this activity extremely useful for several
reasons. It allowed participants from the two countries who had not previously visited the
areas to become familiar with the locust habitats and to get an idea on the possibilities for
locust populations to develop. It allowed an exchange of technical experiences in terms of
17
surveying, data collection, reporting, and use of maps and GPS, and facilitated the
strengthening of cooperation and collaboration between the two countries. It was also an
opportunity to see how assessment surveys can be organized involving staff from the two
countries. Lastly, the joint survey helped to maintain a strong information network that is the
foundation for preventive control strategy. The participants deemed that such joint survey
should be conducted on an annual basis.
Regarding the training workshop on locust monitoring and information management, the
participants were extremely enthusiastic about the workshop and actively participated in each
session.
From the feedback provided by the participants, the training workshop was considered as very
successful. The participants believed that they gained sufficient background information on
locust monitoring and information management as shown by the evaluation tests. However
they expressed their wish to receive a training specially dedicated to the practical use of GPS
to complete the knowledge gained.
Furthermore, the sharing of skills and experiences from both countries was one of the most
valuable and rewarding aspects of the workshop. Some of the contacts made between
participants are likely to continue and will lead to productive linkages between individuals
and institutions in the two countries. Similar outputs were also recorded by similar previous
activities under the Five-year programme.
To a larger extent, the implementation of the Five-year programme - managed by the team
“Locusts and transboundary plant pests and diseases” located at FAO Headquarters- has made
significant progress to achieve the planned outputs and results. The organizational and
managerial skills of this team, which relied on a few persons (mainly one technical Senior
Officer and one Locust Programme Officer), as well as its experience and commitment to the
programme, have been an important factor for the progress accomplished.
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VII- RECOMMANDATIONS
• Joint surveys should be continued in the coming years to monitor locust activity on
both sides of the border and to look for any possible migration of locust populations
across the border.
• Such cross-border activities should be regulated by bilateral agreements between
Tajikistan and Afghanistan.
• The experts participating in the joint survey must be experienced and well informed of
survey procedures.
• During survey it is necessary to complete the standard survey form on the ground in
order to avoid forgetting any required information.
• In order to ensure greater benefit and sustainability of future workshop achievements,
FAO should request countries to provide a list of persons from which the best
qualified ones will be selected based on age and profile required for the workshop.
• Future training workshops should allocate more time to practical use of GPS and the
number of participants should not exceed 12.
• Participants underlined the necessity to enhance information sharing and exchange
within the region, as the first practical step to develop effective regional cooperation.
Electronic information exchange was considered the best way to do that. For instance
the monthly bulletin should be exchange by email on a regular basis.
• Moroccan Locust distribution is intimately connected with moderately high
mountains, plateaus, and hills in the countries where permanent breeding areas are
scattered. Since exact data on the location of the permanent breeding areas would be
of the greatest importance in the control of this locust, work in this direction is not
only highly desirable but also necessary.
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Annex 1: Terms of Reference
Job Title Locust Specialist
Division/Department AGPM
Programme/Project
Number
GCP/INT/134/USA
Location Dushanbe and Khatlon Oblast (Tajikistan)
Expected Start Date of
Assignment 13 May 2012 Duration: 17 days
Reports to Name: Annie Monard, AGPMM Title:
Senior Officer – Transboundary Plant Pests
General Description of task(s) and objectives to be achieved
Under the supervision of the Plant Production and Protection Division (AGPM) in FAO Headquarters, in close collaboration with the FAO Officers in
Tajikistan and the State Republican Unitary Enterprise “Locust Control” (SRUE) of the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), Tajikistan, as well as with the
staff of the Plant Protection and Quarantine Department (PPQD) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL) of Afghanistan, the
Locust Specialist will provide technical advice on locust monitoring and information management and deliver a five-day training course to technical
staff from the PPQD concerning locust data management. More specifically, he will:
1. Provide guidance and assist national staff during a joint cross-border survey between Afghanistan and Tajikistan, in gathering field ecological and locust data (exact location, description of the site, vegetation and weather data, size of the infested areas, density, development stage and phase of the locust populations, average size of hopper groups and/or swarms, etc.) using the standardized survey form developed for Caucasian and Central Asian countries; in assessing the locust situations; in reporting and analyzing these field data; in establishing forecasts on likely developments of the locust situation over the following weeks or months; in evaluating the locust threat at short and medium terms; and in identifying and prioritizing areas to be treated and how.
2. Deliver a training session to the benefit of staff from PPQD/MAIL, Afghanistan, and from SRUE, Tajikistan, on survey techniques and information management; the training will concern the following aspects:
- Field collection of standardized data (nature of data to be collected, future use of the data, locust survey forms) using the FAO Standard Survey Form;
- Use of global positioning system (GPS) devices; - Data transmission, monitoring and analysis, forecasting and reporting (incl. use of the monthly bulletin template and preparation of
statistics); - Presentation of modern tools used for data analysis and storage, and forecast (remote sensing imagery, Geographical Information
System –GIS); - Pre- and post-evaluation of the trainees. -
In doing so, the Consultant will put emphasis on the need of collecting high quality and standardized field data and to transmit them timely for
validation and analysis at regional or central level, insist on the importance of producing high quality national monthly bulletins on locust situations
and on their regular and timely transmission to FAO for the preparation of the regional bulletins.
3. Gather any relevant information on locust management in order to update the “Analytical Report on Locust Situations and Management in CCA” (August 2009).
key performance indicators
20
Job Title Locust Specialist
Division/Department AGPM
Programme/Project
Number
GCP/INT/134/USA
Location Dushanbe and Khatlon Oblast (Tajikistan)
Expected Start Date of
Assignment 13 May 2012 Duration: 17 days
Reports to Name: Annie Monard, AGPMM Title:
Senior Officer – Transboundary Plant Pests
Expected Outputs:
1. Staff better prepared for collecting data with the FAO standard survey form and for
reporting, analysis and forecasting; assistance provided to prepare/adjust workplan for
control operations during the 2012 locust campaign.
2. Training session organized and 10/12 PPQD/MAIL and at least 3 SRUE staff trained on
survey techniques and data information management.
3. Updated information on locust management collected, summarized and included in end-of-
mission technical report.
4. Mission documented and pictures transmitted to FAO for upload on website “Locust Watch
in CCA”.
5. End-of-mission technical report prepared and submitted to FAO.
Required Completion Date:
1. During duty trip
2. During duty trip
3. During duty trip
4. During duty trip
5. Three weeks after duty trip
completion
Required Competencies
Academic Qualifications
PhD in Entomology or equivalent education preferably in Plant Protection.
Technical Competencies and Experience Requirements
� 10 years of theoretical and practical experience in locust monitoring.
� Good knowledge of modern tools to collect, transfer, analyze and store locust related information.
� Fluency in English.
� Knowledge of Russian would be an asset.
21
Annex 2: list of key persons met and places visited
Persons met in Dushanbe on 28 and 29 May 2012
At FAO Office:
Takhmina Touraeva, Programme Assistant, FAOR Tajikistan
Behzod Tursumatov, Administrative Assistant FAO Tajikistan
Sergei Malitsky, FAO Tajikistan (Administration)
Tolibojon Hakimov, FAO consultant interpreter.
At Ministry of Agriculture:
Quiyamodine Ganiev, Head of State Republican Unitary Enterprise “Locust Control”,
Ministry of Agriculture Tajikistan.
Persons met in Qumsangir district, 30 May 2012:
Official meeting held with:
Mr Abdurasulov N., the first deputy of the head of the district;
Mr Sahhobov S., senior specialist of locust control in the district.
Meetings held at the field with:
Mr Barotov Juma, the head of the farm “Qaradum”;
Mr Aminov S., head of the farm “Zamini Nav”;
Mr Abdulloev I, the head of the farm “Ozodi”,;
Mr Goziev, head of dehkan farm “Bedak”;
Mr Jalilov I., head of individual dehkan farm;
Mr Zardoluev M, head of individual dehkan farm;
Mr Mullo Nur, head of individual dehkan farm.
Persons met in Panj district, 31 May 2012:
Official meeting held with:
Mr Tavakkalov Abdujalil, head of the district.
Mr Davlatov M, deputy of the head of the district.
At the jamoat “Namuna”:
Mr Saifiddinov K, head of jamoat;
Mr Azizov S., senior specialist of locust control in the district.
Persons met in Hamadoni district, 1 June 2012: Official meeting:
Mr Kholikov A. B., deputy of the head of the district;
Mr Davlatmurodov, head of agriculture department of the district;
Mr Abdulloev B, head of “F. Saidov” farm;
Mr Shomadov Kulobi, plan protection specialist.
Places visited:
Farm “Turdiev” (Sanglokh)”.
Persons met in Farkhor district, 1 June 2012: Official meeting:
Mr Makhmadaliev M., first deputy of the head of the district;
Mr Valiev Kh., head of agriculture department of the district;
Mr Nazarov M., senior specialist of locust control in the district;
22
At the jamoat “Namuna”
Met with Mr Saidov I. , head of dekhan farm
Met with Samadov O., Head of locust control team.
Persons met in Farkhor district, 2 June 2012: Official meeting:
Mr Safarov Jumakhon, the head of the district;
Mr Arzaev D., senior specialist of locust control in the district;
At the jamoat “Jura Nazarov”
Met with Mr Mirzomurodov Ziyoulhaq , head of jamoat.
At the jamoat “Obshoron”
Met with Mr Jurabek, head of dehkan farm “Boboi Jurabek”.
Places visited: Treating areas in Khuroson and Jilikul districts on the road to Shaartuz district;
Aivaj area in the border with Afghanistan and Uzbekistan;
“Chilichorchashma” area in Nosiri Khisrav district.
Person met in Kurgantube (workshop) Dushanov Odinagul, senior specialist of department of finance and forecast Management
Body of head of Khatlon
Sodigov Tojidin Argonovich, first deputy of agricultural department of Khalton region
23
Annex 3: List of documents and other reference consulted
1. FAO 2009. Report of Regional Consultation on Locust Management in Caucasus and
Central Asia (CCA), Almaty, Kazakhstan 27-30 October 2009.
2. FAO 2010. Report of the Technical Workshop on Locust Control (Caucasus and
Central Asia) Dushanbe, Tajikistan 18-22 October 2010.
3. FAO 2011. Five-year programme: Towards better national and regional locust
management in Caucasus and central Asia. Concept note.
4. FAO 2009. Project document ‘Improving management of migratory and other locusts
in the Caucasus and Central Asia.’ TCP/INT/3202 (D)
5. FAO, 2010. Technical Workshop Report on Locust Control ‘Overview of strategies
and techniques currently used in locust control’ Dushanbe, Tajikistan, 18 - 22 October
2010.
6. Dobson H. Cressman K. and Lowe J. and Pantenius C., 2003. Desert Locust Master
Trainer Manual. FAO.
7. Monard A., Chiris M. and Latchininsky A., 2009. Locust situations and management
in Caucasus and central Asia - analytical report- FAO.
8. Monthly national locust bulletin of Afghanistan n°1, 24 May 2011
9. Monthly national locust bulletin of Afghanistan n°1, 30 March 2012
10. Monthly national locust bulletin of Afghanistan n°1, 30 April 2012
11. Hamat M. 2011. Report on locust and grasshopper management campaign,
Afghanistan, April to July 2011.
12. Hamat M., 2010. Locusts and grasshoppers management campaign in Afghanistan
March to June, 2010
13. Template of the monthly national locust bulletin –
14. Locusts’ Standard survey form.
15. The FAO website http://www.fao.org/ag/locusts-CCA/en/index.html “Locust Watch –
Locusts in Caucasus and Central Asia”
24
Annex 4. List of the participants to the cross-border survey between Tajikistan and
Afghanistan
List of Afghan participants Mr Marjan Hemat, Head of Integrated Pest Management Division, Plant Protection and
Quarantine Directorate (PPQD), Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and livestock (MAIL),
Afghanistan.
Mr Abdul Raof, Manager, Takhar Province, Plant Protection and Quarantine Directorate
(PPQD), Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and livestock (MAIL), Afghanistan.
Mr Abdul Shakor, Manager, Kunduz Province, Plant Protection and Quarantine Directorate
(PPQD), Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and livestock (MAIL), Afghanistan.
List of Tajik participants Mr K. Ganiev, Head, State Republican Unitary Enterprise (SRUE) “Locust Control”,
Ministry of Agriculture, Tajikistan
Mr W. Mustafokulov, National Consultant
Mr K. Mirzoyev, Head- Khatlon oblast, SRUE “Locust Control”
Mr D. Azizov , Chief, Kumsangir District, Khatlon oblast
Mr M. Nazarov, Senior Specialist, Parzharskogo Kulyab District
FAO Consultants Mr Said Ghaout, Locust Specialist
Mr. Tolibojon Hakimov, Interpreter
25
Annex 5. List of participants of the workshop held on 5-9 June in Kurgantybe, Tajikistan
# Name Surname Date of
birth Country Function Address
phone number
experience on
locust
management
1 Fidavs Qodirov 10.04.1988 Tajikistan Khuroson district,
Jamoat “Aini”,
Chorbogh village
Post graduate student,
“Plant Protection”
Department, TAU
1 year
2 Imomiddin Yodgorov 20.12.1954 Tajikistan Rumi district, Jamoat
Frunze, Yangi
Turmush
Senior specialist, district
Agricultural Department
992934201254
992935996232
Since 2007
3 Ravshan Arzaev 10.03.1954 Tajikistan Shhartuz district Nosiri Khusrav district,
Jamoat “Istiqlol”, Beshkent
village
992-93-584-40-30 17 years
4 Faiziddin Kamolov 24.09.1986 Tajikistan Dangar district,
Sebiston settlement,
Galaba village
Specialist, SRUE “Locust
Control” MoA of Tajikistan
992 985876788 5 months
5 Ilhom Ibragimov 30.06.1984 Tajikistan SRUE “Locust
Control” MoA of
Tajikistan
Dushanbe city, 44 Rudaki
street,
[email protected] 904209889
918595595
4 years
6 Ismoil Mirzoev 25.05.1950 Tajikistan Representative of
SRUE “Locust
Control” in Sarband
district
Sarband district, “Guliston”
jamoat, “Guliston” village
904-13-24-16 4 years
7 Ismatullo Rabiev 1953 Tajikistan SRUE “Locust
Control” MoA of
Tajikistan, Head of
the Department on
monitoring and
Hissor district, jamoat
Khonakohi Kuhi
9351855646 3 years
26
appearing of locust
8 Mahmadrahim Yorov 27.06.1966 Tajikistan SRUE “Locust
Control” MoA of
Tajikistan
Rudaki district, Chorteppa
jamoat, Juibodom village
904-51-43-40 19 years
9 Saifiddin Sahhobov 15.06.1950 Tajikistan SRUE “Locust
Control” MoA of
Tajikistan,
representative in
Qumsangir district
Qumsangir district, jamoat
Qumsangir
935324406 3 years
10 Sattorqul Zaidulloev 2.03.1952 Tajikistan Khuroson district Quzil kala jamoat, hayoti
Nav village
901052210 6 years
11 Mohammad
Taher
Habib 1963 Afghanistan Plant diseases
specialist
Kabul , Afghanistan [email protected] 0799246737 28 years
12 Ahmad
Ahmadzai
Ahmadzai 13.08.1966 Afghanistan Pest survey manager (MAIL) Kabul ,
Afghanistan
[email protected] 0799096133,
0780233500,
0700807876
10 years
13 Abdul |Raof Faizee 23.02.1971 Afghanistan Plant protection
Quarantine Director,
PPQD
Takhor province,
Afghanistan
0799039877 7 years
14 Abdul Samad Hakimi 7.06.1957 Afghanistan Juzjan province,
PPQD
Agriculture Department,
Juzjan province
0799415320 9 years
15 Ahmad Ershad Fazel 1985 Afghanistan PPQD manager Baghlan province,
Agriculture Department
0708540892 1 year
16 Mohammad
Ishaq
Alokozy 1978 Afghanistan Balkh province,
PPQD manager
0093799270433 7 years
17 Ghulam
Mohammad
Saedi 5.06.1986 Afghanistan Weed control
manager and IPM
Kabul , Afghanistan [email protected] 0700645915 2 years
27
member
18 Fazlulhaq Habibi 1980 Afghanistan Nematology manager
and IPM member
Kabul , Afghanistan [email protected] 0786903040 8 years
19 Mohammad
Ismail
Katab 1957 Afghanistan PPQD Faryab
province, Maimana
city
Faryab province [email protected] 0799274607 25 years
20 Zaki Shirzad 1987 Afghanistan PPQD staff Kunduz province [email protected] 0093787807276 1 year
21 Mirjon Hemat Jan. 1960 Afghanistan Head of integrated
Pest management,
PPQD, MATL
Kabul , Afghanistan [email protected],
0093700265038,
778217189
10 years
22 Abdulshakor Wahabzai 17.01.1966 Afghanistan Head of plant
protection, Kunduz
province
Kunduz province,
Afghanistan
[email protected] +93799012216 18 years
23 Qiyomoddin Ganiev 16.08.12 Tajikistan Head of the SRUE
“Locust Control”
MoA of Tajikistan
Dushanbe city, 105 Firdavsi
street, apartment 9
[email protected] +992 905 509766
+992487018893
6 years
24 Usarbek Mustafakulov 12.02.49 Tajikistan Dushanbe city, 21
“a”, 21 Rudaki Ave.
Orchard and vegetable
production Institute
[email protected] 918-64-98-84 Since 1988
28
Annex 6: Training Workshop Agenda Day Time Topics
May, 5th
09.00-10.00
10.15-12.30
Opening of the training workshop
Introduction to the training workshop (objectives and agenda)
Exchanges on trainees’ experiences in locust operations with
focus on surveys and field data analysis
Pre-evaluation of the trainees
14.00-15.30
15.45- 17.45
Overview of locust management/locust species
Survey process
Discussion
May, 6th
09.00-10.00
10.15-12.30
Survey methods and organization
Survey equipment
Collect of ecological and locust data
Discussions
14.00-15.30
15.45-17.45
Presentation and use of the Locust Survey Form
Transmission of survey results
Presentation of eLocust2
Discussions
May, 7th
09.00-10.00
10.15-12.30
Field data analysis and reporting
Standard national monthly bulletins
Locust situation assessment
Forecasting
Discussions
14.00-15.30
15.45-17.45
Presentation of modern tools used for data collection, analysis,
storage and forecasting (Remote sensing, GIS)
Continuation
Discussions
May, 8th
09.00-10.00
10.15-12.30
Presentation of map reading methods and compass use
Map reading and compass use
Discussions
14.00-15.30
15.45-17.45
Presentation of GPS
Training on how to use GPS
May, 9th
08.30-10.00
10.15-12.30
Training on how to use GPS
Continuation
Discussions
14.00-15.30
15.45-17.45
General discussion
Post evaluation of the trainees
Certificates and closure of the training workshop
29
Annex 7: Standard survey form.
30
ANNEX 8: MONTHLY NATIONAL LOCUST BULLETIN TEMPLATE
COUNTRY
BODY (MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT/SERVICE) IN CHARGE OF LOCUST MANAGEMENT
<Create a header with name of the country + Name & coordinates of the body in charge of locust
management>
MONTHLY NATIONAL LOCUST BULLETIN No ...
Situation level (by each species separately: CIT, DMA, LMI, other): Calm – Caution – Threat – Danger
Insert a colour box to indicate the situation level as follows for Locust warning levels. A colour-coded
scheme indicates the seriousness of the current locust situation: green for calm, yellow for caution,
orange for threat and red for danger. This scheme should be applied to the monthly bulletin’s header.
The levels indicate the perceived risk or threat of current locust infestations to crops and appropriate
actions are suggested for each level.
Insert a summary of 10 lines maximum presenting the general locust, weather, vegetation/crops
situation and information on control operations during the past month, as well as the likely
developments up to 1.5 month.
1. Weather/Ecological/Vegetation/Crops Conditions during [indicate name of the
month considered + year]
2. Area Treated (by each species separately: CIT, DMA, LMI, other)
Provide information on treated areas: location, number of hectares treated & dates/period of control
operations.
3. Locust Situation and Forecast
3.1. Detailed situation (by each species separately: CIT, DMA, LMI, other)
- Chronologic synthesis of the situation observed during the month, ideally by decade.
- Present this synthesis by region/geographical entity.
- Indicate: stage of development (and instar for hoppers) and behaviour (marching/eating/fledging for
hoppers, roosting/flying/eating), density, phase, locations (with GPS coordinates) where observations
were made or infestations reported. For all these data, reference is made to the Standard Survey
Form.
- Nature of control operations using data of the Standard Control Form.
31
- Details on cross-border operations (joint surveys and control).
3.2. Forecast (by each species separately: CIT, DMA, LMI, other)
Based on knowledge of the locust bio-ecology, experience and past similar situations, present the
expected developments for the next month and a half (or for the next year if it is the last bulletin of the
locust season/campaign).
3.3. Map(s) (by each species separately: CIT, DMA, LMI, other)
Insert a map presenting current situation and expected developments during the considered forecast
period.
4. Announcements
Other information concerning:
- Recent and forthcoming meetings & workshops (national & regional)
- Recent and forthcoming training sessions (national & regional)
- Other