Armoured crickets destroy mahangu

AN ARMOURED crickets outbreak that has plagued a number of villages in the Outapi constituency of Omusati may pose a threat to pastures in a region that is prone to drought.

The Outapi constituency councilor, Fillemon Shikwambi, yesterday confirmed the outbreak to.

He said the affected villages are Onakayale, Okapanda, Onavivi, Ohambalanganga and Ohamuyala.

Shikwambi said officials from the ministry of agriculture said a pesticide that can kill the crickets might be dangerous to humans if not handled properly.

He explained that the area had experienced such an outbreak of crickets when he was young – but at that time they would get help from neighbours to collect and burn the crickets as one household could not do it on their own.

Shikwambi urged community members to work together to save their crops as there is little the constituency office can do for now.

One field owner, Theresia Naunyango, who complained to said crickets were flying in swamps destroyed anything they landed on including grazing areas.

Naunyango lives with 12 others – eight adults and four children – and said they depend on their crops for a living.

She said they do odd jobs to supplement their finances and she was until the recent coronavirus outbreak employed at a lodge at Khorixas in Kunene region.

Naunyango said the crickets were landing everywhere, even on people, making it extremely hard for them to remove from the field. During the time of ‘s visit, they had collected some bags, but the crickets are moving around the whole field.

She is asking for public assistance to get rid of the crickets to save what remains of their crops.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.