Dense locust swarms have reappeared in southeastern Morocco’s Errachidia province in recent days, reviving concerns about the potential impact of the insects on agriculture and fragile oasis ecosystems in the Rissani and Merzouga areas.
Witnesses reported to Hespress the arrival of large swarms over the region, where they were seen settling in grazing lands and open spaces near oasis communities. The sightings have heightened anxiety among residents and agricultural professionals, who fear possible damage to vegetation and crops.
The resurgence comes at a sensitive time for the region, which has benefited from recent rainfall after years of drought and is experiencing a recovery in pastureland and agricultural activity.
Mohamed Amine Jelili, a resident of the area, said the scale of the swarms was unlike anything seen locally in many years.
“Residents have been closely monitoring the situation because of the density of the swarms and the large areas they crossed before settling near the oases,” he said.
Jelili noted that the development has raised legitimate concerns among farmers and those involved in oasis agriculture, which relies heavily on date palms and native vegetation as key components of both the local economy and environmental balance.
“Any uncontrolled spread of locusts could have negative consequences for trees and crops, especially in environmentally sensitive areas where many families depend on farming and livestock breeding,” he said.
At the same time, he stressed that current observations do not justify panic and that the situation can be managed through preventive measures and close field monitoring by the relevant authorities.
He called for rapid intervention by specialized locust-control teams to contain any potential breeding areas before the insects spread further, while urging greater coordination between local authorities and agricultural services to protect the region’s natural and economic resources.
Othman Ouachaouch, a tourism professional from the area, described the recent locust invasion across Rissani, Merzouga, Hassi Labied and surrounding areas as a source of significant concern for both residents and farmers.
“The fields and grazing lands have begun to recover after years of drought, but locusts could destroy a substantial portion of crops in a very short period of time,” he said.
Ouachaouch noted that such a phenomenon has not been seen in the region for nearly two decades, making the current situation particularly alarming for farmers and livestock owners.
According to local observers, the insects have spread rapidly across desert and semi-desert areas, aided by favorable climatic conditions and moisture left behind by recent rainfall.
Beyond agriculture, Ouachaouch warned that the outbreak could also affect tourism, one of the region’s most important economic sectors. Merzouga is known internationally for its sand dunes, oases and desert landscapes, which attract visitors from around the world.
“Any damage to the vegetation cover or oasis ecosystems would directly affect the attractiveness of the region and activities linked to desert, ecological and oasis tourism,” he said.
He urged authorities to intensify surveillance and control operations, provide support to affected farmers and keep residents informed through public communication campaigns aimed at tracking developments and reassuring communities about the safety of their agricultural assets and production.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.