From March 4 – 16, DASP Senior Field Officer Ron Libby traveled to Tanzania to participate in an assessment of the impact on crops and livelihoods, and to recommend USG assistance. The team found that the severity of the outbreak was increasing, mainly due to the lack of timely information, supplies and equipment for farmers.
An initial $50,000 from USAID/OFDA purchased essential supplies including pesticide sprayers and protective gear for the Regional Commissioner and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Cooperatives. This should help to decrease crop damage and break the armyworm life cycle, bringing the outbreak under control. |
