Vol. 5, Issue 1, Part A (2023)

Desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria, Forskl) is considered to be one of the most serious pests that cause a devastating amount of damage to crops and other agricultural products during the invasion. It is considered as the most dangerous migratory pest among the locust species because of its ability to reproduce rapidly, migrate long distances and devastate crops. Desert Locust has the largest distribution area, which extends from West Africa through the Middle East to East Asia. Eastern Africa has seen an upsurge of Desert locusts, spreading across several countries at rates not seen in decades. The consequences of Desert locust invasions can be disastrous for both the food security and livelihoods of the rural populations in affected areas. The invasions can result in the abandoning of crops and rural migrations. Damage can be considerable on all types of crops: annual rain-fed crops as well as perennial crops, tree cultivation, and irrigated crops which are even more sensitive since they are exposed throughout the year. Desert locusts invaded major areas in the Somali, Afar, Oromiya, Tigray and Amhara regions of Ethiopia regularly. The swarms of Desert locust also moved south across the Shebelle River in southeastern Ethiopia into the Juba River basin. Despite the recent and further possible Desert locust invasion in Ethiopia, there are no more systematic reviews conducted to assess the details on the invasion, impact on crop production and its possible control measures. Therefore the objective of this review is to highlight the invasion, Ecology, Biology, impact on crop production and control measures of Desert locusts.