12/11/2004
Mauritania and Niger have also been badly affected by the locusts
Algerian Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Saïd Barkat told the local press Thursday (11 November) that another large locust attack could be expected, probably in February. He said Algeria, which has been fighting locusts for several months now, is prepared for another attack. Mauritania and Niger have also been badly affected by the locusts.
UN experts have been working in the Sahara to prevent the locusts from spreading to other areas, including Europe. Experts warn that 2005 could be an even tougher year for agriculture in Algeria, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia because of the insects. (albawaba.com)