Real-time evaluation of FAO’s response to desert locust upsurge 2020-2021 | Phase 3

Over the course of 2020–2021, the most devastating desert locust upsurge of the past 25 years has spread across parts of the Near East, the Greater Horn of Africa and Southwest Asia. The upsurge poses an unprecedented risk to livelihoods and food security in some of the most food insecure countries in the world. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and its partners have mobilized more than USD 243 million since January 2020.

The response includes three key pillars: i) curbing the spread of desert locusts (including surveillance); ii) safeguarding livelihoods and promoting recovery; and iii) coordination and preparedness of the rapid surge support. In this context, the FAO Office of Evaluation (OED) has been requested by the Director-General to conduct a real time evaluation (RTE), conducted across three phases spread over one year. Each phase will cover specific aspects of the response.

Phase III drew lessons for future operations and FAO’s work on desert locust in the Region. Phase III found several areas for potential improvement in the future, in order to better prepare for, and respond to, future desert locust upsurges in the Horn of Africa and Yemen.