The Role of Climate Change for Transboundary Crop Pest Outbreaks in IGAD Member States – Challenges for Integrated EWS and Governance. A Review

Abstract

This paper is based on the review of scientific literature and consultations with member states of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). Climate change is having a profound impact on the IGAD region, with rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns driving both extreme weather events and agricultural pest outbreaks. This review addresses the threat posed by five major transboundary crop pests: fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), African armyworm (Spodoptera exempta), tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta), red-billed quelea (Quelea quelea), and desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria). The lifecycle, behaviour, and economic impact of each pest are examined, with a particular focus on the role of climate change in intensifying their proliferation and spread. The paper also assesses current pest management strategies and identifies their shortcomings. It advocates for advancements in Early Warning Systems (EWS), emphasizing the need for integrating advanced technologies to prevent and manage the emergence and spread of transboundary pests. The paper calls for a holistic and integrated approach to pest management, incorporating climate services and fostering community-based interventions. It underscores the need to rethink governance to equip EWS for future challenges and stresses the importance of continuous research and international cooperation to build sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.