FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANISATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS

FIVE-YEAR PROGRAMME FOR IMPROVING

NATIONAL AND REGIONAL LOCUST MANAGEMENT IN

CAUCASUS AND CENTRAL ASIA (CCA)

(PROJECT GCP/INT/134/USA)

MISSION REPORT

TRAINING WORKSHOP ON LOCUST MONITORING AND

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATED WITH

LOCUST JOINT BORDER SURVEY TAJIKISTAN-AFGHANISTAN

TAJIKISTAN, 27 MAY – 11 JUNE 2012

Said GHAOUT

Locust specialist

International Consultant

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACRONYMS 4

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 5

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 6

I- INTRODUCTION 7

II- BACKGROUND 8

III- FINANCIAL ASPECTS 8

IV- ORGANIZATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF JOINT SURVEY 9

A- Organizational aspects 9

B- Survey methodology 9

C. Summary of survey results 9

D. Technical support provided during joint survey 10

V- TRAINING WORKSHOP ON LOCUST MONITORING AND INFORMATION

MANAGEMENT 11

A- Opening ceremony 11

B- Purpose of the training workshop 11

C- Information on Participants 12

D- Programme 13

a. Survey process and methods 13

b. Survey form 14

c. Survey tools 14

d. Information and reporting 15

E- Evaluation of the participants 15

F- Closure of the Workshop 16

VI- CONCLUSION 16

VII- RECOMMANDATIONS 18

Annex 1: Terms of Reference 19

Annex 2: list of key persons met and places visited 21

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Annex 3: List of documents and other reference consulted 23

Annex 4. List of the participants to the cross-border survey between Tajikistan and Afghanistan

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Annex 5. List of participants of the workshop held on 5-9 June in Kurgantybe, Tajikistan 25

Annex 6: Training Workshop Agenda 28

Annex 7: Standard survey form. 29

Annex 8: Monthly national locust bulletin template 30

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ACRONYMS

AGP Plant Production and Protection Division, FAO HQ

AGPMM

CCA

Locusts and Transboundary Plant Pests and Diseases

Caucasus and Central Asia

CIT Calliptamus italicus, Italian Locust

DMA Dociostaurus maroccanus, Moroccan Locust

EC Emulsifiable Concentrate

EMPRES Emergency Preventive System for transboundary animal and plant pests

and diseases (FAO)

FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

GIS Geographical Information System

GPS Global Positioning System

HQ Headquarters

LMI Locusta migratoria, Asian Migratory Locust

LoA Letter of Agreement

MoA Ministry of Agriculture

MAIL Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and livestock

PPD Plant Protection Department

RAMSES Reconnaissance and Management System of the Environment of

Schistocerca (GIS data management)

PPQD Plant Protection and Quarantine Directorate

SMA Small Grant Agreements

SRUE State Republican Unitary Enterprise “Locust Control” Tajikistan

TCP Technical Cooperation Programme (FAO)

ULV Ultra-Low Volume

USAID United States Agency for International Development

USD United States Dollar

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The consultant expresses its sincere gratitude to Dr. Annie Monard, FAO Senior Officer,

Leader Locusts and transboundary plant pests and diseases (AGPMM) for her confidence and

support and to Ms Marion Chiris, Locust program Officer, who had made possible the

organization of the mission.

He also thanks the staff of the FAO Office in Tajikistan for its invaluable assistance during

the mission as well as to the Head of the State Republican Unitary Enterprise “Locust

Control” of Tajikistan for the hospitality and the facilities offered. The help and cooperation

of Mr. Tolibojon Hakimov, interpreter, is sincerely acknowledged and appreciated.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Within the framework of the FAO “Five-year programme for improving national and regional

locust management in Caucasus and Central Asia” (CCA), a training workshop on locust

monitoring and information management associated with a joint locust survey between

Tajikistan and Afghanistan was organized in Tajikistan from 27 May to 11 June 2012.

The joint survey was carried out from 30 May to 3 June 2012 in locust breeding areas of

southern Tajikistan. An eight-member team consisting of locust specialists from Tajikistan (5)

and Afghanistan (3) surveyed 750 km in Khatlon Province from Turgantybe to the Afghan

border during a five-day field trip. The ecological conditions were suitable for locust breeding

and significant populations of Moroccan Locust were found in copulation and egg-laying.

The survey highlighted the usefulness of familiarizing locust survey officers from both

countries with breeding areas to understand better the locust situation and strengthen

collaboration between the two countries.

The training workshop on locust monitoring and information management was delivered on

5-9 June 2012 to 24 persons (12 from each country) using a participatory style approach. The

programme covered survey basics, tools and field techniques. Survey basics concerned

different methods used to estimate locust infestations in the field, why surveys are made,

planning surveys and carrying out surveys. Survey tools covered map reading, compass,

anemometer, hygrometer, GPS and standard survey form, and trainees practiced using each

tool.

Furthermore, the importance of information and reporting was explained. Explanation was

also provided on how to prepare a national bulletin using the standard template.

The participants felt that the joint survey and training workshop were extremely useful and

instructive.

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I- INTRODUCTION

FAO initiated a “Five-year programme to improve national and regional locust management

in Caucasus and Central Asia (CCA)”. The programme was endorsed by all countries during

the regional consultation on locust management in CCA, held in October 2009, in Almaty,

Kazakhstan.

The objective of the programme is to contribute to safeguarding food security and the

livelihood of rural populations in Caucasus and Central Asia by limiting threat or damage to

crops and rangelands through reduction of occurrence and intensity of locust outbreaks, in

respect of human health and the environment. The programme is based on the key concepts of

locust preventive strategy.

The expected results of the programme are:

Result 1: Regional cooperation developed for better locust management

Result 2: National capacities strengthened

Result 3: Locust issues and disasters better anticipated and mitigated

Result 4: Improved response mechanisms to locust outbreaks

Result 5: Impact on human health and the environment mitigated and monitored

Result 6: Public information and awareness increased

The Programme, whose budget is of USD 7.8 million, was officially launched in October

2011 during the regional workshop held in Tbilisi, (Georgia), thanks to different funding

sources, in particular a USAID funded project (GCP/INT/134/USA). A Roadmap was

established for its implementation.

An important part of the programme is devoted to the development of national capacities and

regional cooperation associated with cross-border activities. It was planned on the one hand to

provide technical assistance on locust monitoring and information management to

Afghanistan during spring 2012 (Activity 4.1.1 of the Roadmap) and on the other hand to

organize a joint or cross-border survey between Afghanistan and Tajikistan (Activity 3.2. of

the Roadmap).

In that framework, it was initially planned to deliver the training in Afghanistan. However,

this had not been possible for security constraints and it was decided to hold it in Tajikistan.

The mission was therefore conducted from 27 May to 11 June 2012 in this country in order to

provide technical assistance on locust monitoring and information management and to deliver

a five-day training course on locust data management to technical staff from Tajikistan and

Afghanistan.

The Terms of Reference (ToR) of the mission are attached as Annex 1. The persons met by

the consultant are listed in Annex 2 and the documents available to him are provided in

Annex 3.

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II- BACKGROUND

Locusts and grasshoppers are the most important threat to agriculture in the Caucasus and

Central Asia (CCA). Three locust species, the Italian (CIT), the Moroccan (DMA) and the

Asian Migratory (LMI) locusts1, are present in this area. A major and common feature is that

locust permanent breeding and outbreak areas overlap national borders. These locust pests can

cause severe damage and jeopardize food security and livelihood of local populations. The

households most heavily affected by the locust infestations are in most of the cases those with

chronic vulnerability.

Several CCA countries experienced serious transboundary issues with locust hopper bands

and swarms crossing their common borders. Difficult access to neutral zones along the

borders hampered control activities, which resulted in some locust populations escaping

control. Several countries also reported shortage of modern tools and technologies for locust

survey and control operations, particularly insufficient means of transportation, Ultra-Low

Volume (ULV) equipment and Global Positioning System (GPS) devices. The need of

training national staff in the use of all modern monitoring and control technologies was also

crucial.

III- FINANCIAL ASPECTS

The programme is managed by the Locusts and Transboundary Plant Pests and Diseases Unit

(AGPMM) at FAO Headquarters and implemented by the countries. A major contribution to

this programme was received from USAID (USD1.6 million). For this mission, the funding

was as follows:

Joint survey:

The Five-year programme provides an assistance to a number of joint (or cross-border)

surveys held in CCA, through a lump sum of USD4,500 to be shared between the two

concerned countries (i.e. USD2,250/country). This lump sum covers, or contributes to, the

general operating costs (per diem, transportation and fuel); it aims at encouraging the CCA

countries to develop joint activities, and not necessarily at covering all expenses incurred for

such cross-border surveys. It was released through two Letters of Agreement (LoA)/Small

Grant Agreements (SMA), between FAO and Afghanistan on the one hand and between FAO

and Tajikistan on the other hand. The two countries were responsible for the organization of

the joint border survey. The Five-year programme allowed the participation of an

international specialist in locust management (the consultant), who provided in situ training

on survey operations during the joint survey between Afghanistan and Tajikistan. Project

GCP/INT/134/USA funded this activity.

Training workshop:

The training on locust monitoring and information management delivered by the consultant

1 Calliptamus italicus (Linnaeus, 1758); Dociostaurus maroccanus (Thunberg, 1815); Locusta migratoria

migratoria (Linnaeus, 1758).

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was funded by the project GCP/INT/134/USA. The organization of the training was ensured

by the State Republican Unitary Enterprise (SRUE) “Locust Control”, Ministry of

Agriculture, Tajikistan, through a Letter of Agreement with AGPMM, FAO.

IV- ORGANIZATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF JOINT SURVEY

A- Organizational aspects

As part of preparation for organization of the joint survey, FAO and Ministry of Agriculture

of Tajikistan undertook the necessary arrangements for issuing security clearances and visas

for the participants from Afghanistan. The State Republican Unitary Enterprise (SRUE)

“Locust Control”, Ministry of Agriculture, of Tajikistan provided the survey equipment

(maps, compass, GPS).

Three locust experts from Afghanistan and five locust experts from Tajikistan participated in

the 5-day (30 May to 3 June 2012) joint survey together with the consultant and the

interpreter (Annex 4). Three vehicles belonging to SRUE were used.

Unfortunately, a single GPS only, recently provided by FAO with other survey equipment

(hygrometer, anemometer compass), was available.

The itinerary of the survey focused on potential areas of locust presence and breeding in

Khatlon Province, particularly along the Tajik-Afghan border (Annex 2). Five districts were

visited: Panj, Qumsangir, Farkhor, Hamadoni and Jilikul. Brief meetings were organized with

local authorities of the visited districts to explain the objectives of the mission. A total

distance of 750 km was covered during the joint survey.

B- Survey methodology

The bases of survey were observations made at the survey stops. At each stop, the locust

density was assessed through downside (into the wind) 200-meter foot transects in the

vegetation or by counting the number of locusts per square meter when locusts were

copulating and laying eggs. Temperature and relative humidity were recorded. The

coordinates of the survey stops were determined by GPS. The survey parameters at each

location are those of the CCA standard survey form. They included topography, locust

presence, appearance, behavior, maturity, density, and size of the infestation, rain received

vegetation cover and soil moisture. Pictures of the surveyed sites were also taken. Farmers,

locals, truck drivers were questioned along the way about locusts and rainfall. The time spent

collecting this information at each stop varied from 10-20 minutes. Habitat conditions were

also noted in between stops.

Surveys started at 7AM and continued until 5 PM with a mid-morning meal break. The day’s

results and observations were discussed in the evening.

C. Summary of survey results

During the survey, it was observed that ecological conditions in several areas visited were

favorable for locust breeding. As rain fell recently in these areas, particularly in Panj,

Qumsangir and Farkhor districts, vegetation was green, and the soil remained sufficiently

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moist for egg-laying.

Groups of transiens mature adults were seen copulating and laying eggs in three different

sites in Qumsangir district (N37°23'15"- E68°51'20"), covering 0.37, 0.56 and 0.5 ha

respectively. A low density swarm was seen on a cotton crop of 6 ha causing significant

damage. Two scattered swarms of approximately 50 and 20 ha were seen on 2 and 3 June

respectively at coordinates N37°22'47"- E69°20'26" and N37°45'08"- E68°34'57".

The joint survey team also attended a treatment of a group of mature adults in mating and

egg-laying in Gilikol (N37°46'08"- E68°34'57") covering an area of approximately 10 ha. The

treatment was carried out with tractor-driven sprayers using EC formulation of conventional

chemicals i.e. synthetic pyrethroids (Deltamethrine, Alpha-cypermethrine). The team also

found a high density of dead locusts on the ground caused by the treatments carried out a few

days earlier in a site called Boytodach (N37°46'08"- E68°34'57") in Qumsangir district.

Despite some mitigation measures (training, provision of protective clothing, guidelines, etc.)

taken by SRUE, attention dedicated to human health and environmental issues needs

improvement. Some empty containers used during the previous treatments were left on the

ground and the staff operating treatment using tractors was seen without protective clothing.

D. Technical support provided during joint survey

During the joint survey, the consultant provided technical support and training on survey and

data collection methods. Demonstrations were given on how to make foot transect to estimate

adult density and to collect the required information using the standard survey form. Some

information was also given concerning biology, ecology and behavior of the Moroccan

Locust. Demonstrations on the use of GPS to calculate the infested area and for navigation

were also provided.

During the discussion, some interesting questions were raised by the participants. For

instance, how to distinguish egg-pods of Moroccan Locust (DMA) from other species? It was

explained that the egg-pods present a considerable variety of structure and this makes it

possible to recognize the species to which a given egg-pod belongs to. Those of DMA are

easy to recognize: they have cylindrical shape, are very hard and strong, made of cemented

soil, and are slightly or strongly bent, depending on the character of the soil and the obstacles

(stones, etc.).

On the other hand, the Tajik participants expressed concern about the sudden and unexpected

increase in locust numbers, including a mature swarm in June because locust surveys carried

out previously did not allow anticipating such event. This may suggest that there are gaps in

survey coverage or that the used survey methodology does not provide an accurate overview

of the real situation.

The head of the Afghan delegation stated that it was not possible to carry out survey in 2012

in all locust-affected areas of Afghanistan because of lack of staff and fund and inaccessibility

of some areas. He felt that the organization of such survey on a regular basis was needed to

assess the locust situation along the common border. He deemed the joint survey very useful.

All the participants strongly reaffirmed the importance of carrying out the joint survey on an

annual basis.

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It is worth mentioning that during the joint survey it appeared that none of the participants had

used a standard survey form. Information is usually noted on their notebook. The need to

complete the standard survey form on the ground was emphasized in order to avoid forgetting

any required information.

V- TRAINING WORKSHOP ON LOCUST MONITORING AND INFORMATION

MANAGEMENT

Training is the basic ingredient of sustaining an effective national locust survey and control

programme. In the absence of regular training, national staff forget the technical skills

required to perform effective field survey, control and reporting. Therefore, it is critical to

organize and conduct training workshops on a regular basis in each country.

The approach adopted in the present training workshop on locust monitoring and information

management is that of participatory learning. This method requires active involvement of

trainees throughout the course and has been shown to be far more effective than training

based purely on lecturing.

The workshop took place in Hotel Istiqlol, Kurgantybe, Tajikistan, on 5-9 June 2012. Initially

it was planned that 12 participants from Afghanistan and 3 from Tajikistan would attend the

workshop. However, given the importance of the workshop topics, the host country expressed

the wish that nine additional participants could participate. The list of participants is given in

Annex 5.

A- Opening ceremony

The training workshop started with an opening speech of Mr Tojidin Sodigov, First Deputy of

the Agricultural Department in Khalton Province. He first welcomed the participants and

expressed his sincere gratitude for the support provided by FAO to his country over the past

years. After having recalled the main features concerning agriculture and locust management

in Tajikistan, he underlined the transboundary nature of the locust pests. He expressed the

wish to strengthen the cooperation in this field between neighboring countries sharing

common locust issues.

Mr Quiyamodine Ganiev, Head of SRUE, welcomed all the participants particularly those

from Afghanistan. He reminded participants the devastating nature of the Moroccan Locust,

considered the main pest threatening agriculture and food security in Tajikistan. He informed

the participants that his unit, in spite of being newly established, had made good progress in

controlling locust outbreaks. He thanked FAO for its collaboration and provision of technical

assistance. He wished a fruitful and successful work to all participants.

B- Purpose of the training workshop

The purpose of the training workshop was to strengthen the capacity of Tajik and Afghan staff

on locust monitoring and information management in order to allow them collecting high

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quality and standardized field data for further timely transmission in view of validation and

analysis at regional or central level. It also aimed at highlighting the importance of producing

high quality national monthly bulletins on locust situations and of transmitting them regularly

and timely to FAO for the preparation of the regional monthly bulletins.

C- Information on Participants

In order to gather information on experience, skill and age of the participants, participants

were asked to complete a form. The resulting analysis showed that the range age of the

participants was from 24 to 63 years old. About 46 percent were over 50 years old (figures 1

and 2). The oldest participants were from Tajikistan. Three of them were over 60 years old.

All participants had at least a one-year experience in locust control; 33,3% had been involved

in locust control campaign for more than 10 years.

In order to ensure greater benefit and sustainability of the workshop achievements, it will be

necessary to choose in the future the most appropriate participants. FAO should request

countries to provide a list of potential trainees from which the best qualified ones will be

selected based on age of and the profile required for the workshop.

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D- Programme

The training workshop was delivered using a participatory style approach consisting of

presentations, demonstrations, practical hands-on exercises in the classroom and in the field,

and general discussions. Lectures were kept to a bare minimum. Trainees were encouraged to

actively participate by working in groups. The programme covered survey basics, tools and

field techniques (Annex 6). Survey basics concerned different methods used to estimate locust

infestations in the field, why surveys are made, planning surveys and carrying out surveys

(how, reporting). Survey tools covered maps reading, compass, anemometer, hygrometer,

GPS and standard survey form, and trainees practiced using each tool. The main topics

covered were as follow:

a. Survey process and methods

The survey process was presented and discussed. The two basic types of survey (assessment

and search) were explained. It was emphasized that assessment surveys are first undertaken

to see if locusts are present. If significant populations are found, then the area is intensively

searched (called a search survey) to estimate the total infested areas and delimit them for

subsequent control operations.

The standard method of survey is to drive a vehicle through areas of suitable habitat, making

regular stops (about every 5 km) to conduct foot transects. At each stop the locust species

encountered, the number per surface unit (density) and the development stage are recorded, as

well as the type and conditions of ground vegetation.

Attention was drawn on the fact that foot transects should be performed by walking into or

across the wind and should not be undertaken during the middle of the day when it is too hot

and locusts are likely to be inside the vegetation and difficult to see. Transects should also not

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be undertaken when the wind speed is more than approx. 6 m/s because locusts hide when the

wind is too strong. For hoppers, at least ten samples of one square meter on the ground must

be inspected and the number of hoppers seen recorded. Field exercises on foot transects were

conducted by the participants during the field visit.

b. Survey form

The standard survey form agreed by all CCA countries during the Regional Consultation on

locust management held in Almaty (Kazakhstan) in 2009 was presented and discussed (Annex

7). It was emphasized that each survey officer must have this form during survey operations.

The standard survey form should be complete in the field.

During the presentation, the participants raised many questions related to biology, physiology,

ecology and behavior of the Moroccan Locust. For instance, many participants could not

distinguish the hopper instars using the shape of wing buds; they only used the hopper size as

criteria, which often lead to confusion. Some of them were not able to distinguish either male

and female or gregarious and solitarious locusts. The consultant provided general information

on questions raised but deemed necessary to organize in the future specific training on locust

biology and ecology.

c. Survey tools

Some essential equipment needed during the survey was presented such as:

- Compass

- Thermometer

- Hygrometer

- Anemometer

- Global Positioning System (GPS)

- Map of 1:750 000 scale or less

- Hand tally counter.

Practical exercises have been organized on the use of these tools. Particular attention was

given to:

GPS: during the field visit, participants were trained on how to record the coordinate and how

to calculate the infested areas using this tool. Some basic information regarding navigation

function were also provided (bearing, routes..). It is worth mentioning that the participants

were eager to learn how to use GPS, but due to high number of the participants and the

availability of only one GPS, it was difficult to allow each participant to be familiarized with

all its application.

Map reading: following presentation on map reading, indoor exercises were organized using

map of 1:750.000 scale. The participants divided in groups were asked to determine the

coordinate of specific site and vise-versa to localize a specific coordinate on the map. They

were also asked to calculate the real distance between two points on the map.

Furthermore, the new technologies used in Desert Locust survey - particularly eLocust and

RAMSES- were briefly presented. It was explained that the survey officer can enter data

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directly into a handheld device while at the survey location and then send it via satellite (and

with the exact geographical coordinates) to the Locust Unit HQ before moving to the next

stop. This system is called eLocust and the latest version is eLocust2. This system is in

operational use in all key Desert Locust countries. The role of RAMSES GIS was briefly

explained.

d. Information and reporting

The importance of information and reporting was highlighted. It was explained that

information from locust survey operations is used to assess the current situation and to

forecast future developments. From such assessments and forecasts, further survey and

control operations can be planned efficiently. Information is crucial and can be considered the

basis for all decisions and assessments. If the information is irregular, late or of poor quality,

proper decisions will not be able to be made by those in positions of authority. Poor decisions

can lead to the inefficient use of resources, crop damage and losses, and the continuation of

locust breeding and migration. Good information is linked to good decision-making and good

use of resources to combat locust effectively. Therefore, National Locust Unit Heads, Plant

Protection Department (PPD) Directors, regional organizations, donors, FAO staff and other

decision-makers all require good and timely information.

Participants were informed that information should be recorded on the standard survey form

during surveys. As soon as the locust survey Officer returns to the field base or office, the

completed form with the officer’s own assessment of the results should be transmitted

immediately to the National Locust Unit headquarters by fax or email.

Furthermore, explanation was provided on how to prepare a national bulletin using the

standard template (Annex 8) also agreed by all countries during the Regional Consultation

held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, in October 2009. It is also essential that countries send national

bulletins (fortnightly or monthly) to FAO on a timely manner and regular basis (and not later

that the 5th

of the next month). Every country should send at least one report every month to

FAO, even if no surveys or other activities have been carried out or no locusts have been

reported. It was also stated that all CCA countries should exchange their monthly bulletins by

email.

E- Evaluation of the participants

Pre- and post- training workshop assessments were made to measure trainees’ progress on

locust monitoring and information management (Annexes 9 and 10). The results indicated that

all trainees improved their knowledge during the training workshop with an average

improvement of about 37.5% (figure 3). They gained experience and abilities in conducting

locust survey and gathering the required information in the best effective and efficient way.

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F- Closure of the Workshop

Mr. Quiyamodine Ganiev, Head of SRUE, congratulated all participants for the fruitful

workshop and warmly welcomed the promoted cooperation between Tajikistan and

Afghanistan. He warmly thanked the consultant for tremendous support made to transfer the

knowledge to the participants. He noted that all the agenda items had been addressed

comprehensively and successfully. He deemed the workshop very instructive. He thanked also

all participants for their good contributions and added his wishes for a safe home journey. He

formally declared the training workshop closed.

In the closing remarks, the consultant, on behalf of FAO, thanked all participants for their

contributions and active participation. Then he expressed his thanks to FAO staff that had

made possible the organization of this mission. He also thanked the Head and staff of SRUE

for the hospitality and all arrangements made which resulted in a successful workshop.

A representative of the participants from Afghanistan thanked the consultant for his support

and congratulated him for having efficiently conducted the training workshop that is deemed

very useful and instructive.

VI- CONCLUSION

The activities undertaken during this mission contributed to the development of cooperation

between Tajikistan and Afghanistan for better locust management (Result 1 of the Five-year

programme) and to strengthen national capacities of both countries in locust monitoring and

information management (Result 2 of the programme).

Concerning the joint survey, the participants felt this activity extremely useful for several

reasons. It allowed participants from the two countries who had not previously visited the

areas to become familiar with the locust habitats and to get an idea on the possibilities for

locust populations to develop. It allowed an exchange of technical experiences in terms of

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surveying, data collection, reporting, and use of maps and GPS, and facilitated the

strengthening of cooperation and collaboration between the two countries. It was also an

opportunity to see how assessment surveys can be organized involving staff from the two

countries. Lastly, the joint survey helped to maintain a strong information network that is the

foundation for preventive control strategy. The participants deemed that such joint survey

should be conducted on an annual basis.

Regarding the training workshop on locust monitoring and information management, the

participants were extremely enthusiastic about the workshop and actively participated in each

session.

From the feedback provided by the participants, the training workshop was considered as very

successful. The participants believed that they gained sufficient background information on

locust monitoring and information management as shown by the evaluation tests. However

they expressed their wish to receive a training specially dedicated to the practical use of GPS

to complete the knowledge gained.

Furthermore, the sharing of skills and experiences from both countries was one of the most

valuable and rewarding aspects of the workshop. Some of the contacts made between

participants are likely to continue and will lead to productive linkages between individuals

and institutions in the two countries. Similar outputs were also recorded by similar previous

activities under the Five-year programme.

To a larger extent, the implementation of the Five-year programme - managed by the team

“Locusts and transboundary plant pests and diseases” located at FAO Headquarters- has made

significant progress to achieve the planned outputs and results. The organizational and

managerial skills of this team, which relied on a few persons (mainly one technical Senior

Officer and one Locust Programme Officer), as well as its experience and commitment to the

programme, have been an important factor for the progress accomplished.

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VII- RECOMMANDATIONS

• Joint surveys should be continued in the coming years to monitor locust activity on

both sides of the border and to look for any possible migration of locust populations

across the border.

• Such cross-border activities should be regulated by bilateral agreements between

Tajikistan and Afghanistan.

• The experts participating in the joint survey must be experienced and well informed of

survey procedures.

• During survey it is necessary to complete the standard survey form on the ground in

order to avoid forgetting any required information.

• In order to ensure greater benefit and sustainability of future workshop achievements,

FAO should request countries to provide a list of persons from which the best

qualified ones will be selected based on age and profile required for the workshop.

• Future training workshops should allocate more time to practical use of GPS and the

number of participants should not exceed 12.

• Participants underlined the necessity to enhance information sharing and exchange

within the region, as the first practical step to develop effective regional cooperation.

Electronic information exchange was considered the best way to do that. For instance

the monthly bulletin should be exchange by email on a regular basis.

• Moroccan Locust distribution is intimately connected with moderately high

mountains, plateaus, and hills in the countries where permanent breeding areas are

scattered. Since exact data on the location of the permanent breeding areas would be

of the greatest importance in the control of this locust, work in this direction is not

only highly desirable but also necessary.

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Annex 1: Terms of Reference

Job Title Locust Specialist

Division/Department AGPM

Programme/Project

Number

GCP/INT/134/USA

Location Dushanbe and Khatlon Oblast (Tajikistan)

Expected Start Date of

Assignment 13 May 2012 Duration: 17 days

Reports to Name: Annie Monard, AGPMM Title:

Senior Officer – Transboundary Plant Pests

General Description of task(s) and objectives to be achieved

Under the supervision of the Plant Production and Protection Division (AGPM) in FAO Headquarters, in close collaboration with the FAO Officers in

Tajikistan and the State Republican Unitary Enterprise “Locust Control” (SRUE) of the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), Tajikistan, as well as with the

staff of the Plant Protection and Quarantine Department (PPQD) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL) of Afghanistan, the

Locust Specialist will provide technical advice on locust monitoring and information management and deliver a five-day training course to technical

staff from the PPQD concerning locust data management. More specifically, he will:

1. Provide guidance and assist national staff during a joint cross-border survey between Afghanistan and Tajikistan, in gathering field ecological and locust data (exact location, description of the site, vegetation and weather data, size of the infested areas, density, development stage and phase of the locust populations, average size of hopper groups and/or swarms, etc.) using the standardized survey form developed for Caucasian and Central Asian countries; in assessing the locust situations; in reporting and analyzing these field data; in establishing forecasts on likely developments of the locust situation over the following weeks or months; in evaluating the locust threat at short and medium terms; and in identifying and prioritizing areas to be treated and how.

2. Deliver a training session to the benefit of staff from PPQD/MAIL, Afghanistan, and from SRUE, Tajikistan, on survey techniques and information management; the training will concern the following aspects:

- Field collection of standardized data (nature of data to be collected, future use of the data, locust survey forms) using the FAO Standard Survey Form;

- Use of global positioning system (GPS) devices; - Data transmission, monitoring and analysis, forecasting and reporting (incl. use of the monthly bulletin template and preparation of

statistics); - Presentation of modern tools used for data analysis and storage, and forecast (remote sensing imagery, Geographical Information

System –GIS); - Pre- and post-evaluation of the trainees. -

In doing so, the Consultant will put emphasis on the need of collecting high quality and standardized field data and to transmit them timely for

validation and analysis at regional or central level, insist on the importance of producing high quality national monthly bulletins on locust situations

and on their regular and timely transmission to FAO for the preparation of the regional bulletins.

3. Gather any relevant information on locust management in order to update the “Analytical Report on Locust Situations and Management in CCA” (August 2009).

key performance indicators

20

Job Title Locust Specialist

Division/Department AGPM

Programme/Project

Number

GCP/INT/134/USA

Location Dushanbe and Khatlon Oblast (Tajikistan)

Expected Start Date of

Assignment 13 May 2012 Duration: 17 days

Reports to Name: Annie Monard, AGPMM Title:

Senior Officer – Transboundary Plant Pests

Expected Outputs:

1. Staff better prepared for collecting data with the FAO standard survey form and for

reporting, analysis and forecasting; assistance provided to prepare/adjust workplan for

control operations during the 2012 locust campaign.

2. Training session organized and 10/12 PPQD/MAIL and at least 3 SRUE staff trained on

survey techniques and data information management.

3. Updated information on locust management collected, summarized and included in end-of-

mission technical report.

4. Mission documented and pictures transmitted to FAO for upload on website “Locust Watch

in CCA”.

5. End-of-mission technical report prepared and submitted to FAO.

Required Completion Date:

1. During duty trip

2. During duty trip

3. During duty trip

4. During duty trip

5. Three weeks after duty trip

completion

Required Competencies

Academic Qualifications

PhD in Entomology or equivalent education preferably in Plant Protection.

Technical Competencies and Experience Requirements

� 10 years of theoretical and practical experience in locust monitoring.

� Good knowledge of modern tools to collect, transfer, analyze and store locust related information.

� Fluency in English.

� Knowledge of Russian would be an asset.

21

Annex 2: list of key persons met and places visited

Persons met in Dushanbe on 28 and 29 May 2012

At FAO Office:

Takhmina Touraeva, Programme Assistant, FAOR Tajikistan

Behzod Tursumatov, Administrative Assistant FAO Tajikistan

Sergei Malitsky, FAO Tajikistan (Administration)

Tolibojon Hakimov, FAO consultant interpreter.

At Ministry of Agriculture:

Quiyamodine Ganiev, Head of State Republican Unitary Enterprise “Locust Control”,

Ministry of Agriculture Tajikistan.

Persons met in Qumsangir district, 30 May 2012:

Official meeting held with:

Mr Abdurasulov N., the first deputy of the head of the district;

Mr Sahhobov S., senior specialist of locust control in the district.

Meetings held at the field with:

Mr Barotov Juma, the head of the farm “Qaradum”;

Mr Aminov S., head of the farm “Zamini Nav”;

Mr Abdulloev I, the head of the farm “Ozodi”,;

Mr Goziev, head of dehkan farm “Bedak”;

Mr Jalilov I., head of individual dehkan farm;

Mr Zardoluev M, head of individual dehkan farm;

Mr Mullo Nur, head of individual dehkan farm.

Persons met in Panj district, 31 May 2012:

Official meeting held with:

Mr Tavakkalov Abdujalil, head of the district.

Mr Davlatov M, deputy of the head of the district.

At the jamoat “Namuna”:

Mr Saifiddinov K, head of jamoat;

Mr Azizov S., senior specialist of locust control in the district.

Persons met in Hamadoni district, 1 June 2012: Official meeting:

Mr Kholikov A. B., deputy of the head of the district;

Mr Davlatmurodov, head of agriculture department of the district;

Mr Abdulloev B, head of “F. Saidov” farm;

Mr Shomadov Kulobi, plan protection specialist.

Places visited:

Farm “Turdiev” (Sanglokh)”.

Persons met in Farkhor district, 1 June 2012: Official meeting:

Mr Makhmadaliev M., first deputy of the head of the district;

Mr Valiev Kh., head of agriculture department of the district;

Mr Nazarov M., senior specialist of locust control in the district;

22

At the jamoat “Namuna”

Met with Mr Saidov I. , head of dekhan farm

Met with Samadov O., Head of locust control team.

Persons met in Farkhor district, 2 June 2012: Official meeting:

Mr Safarov Jumakhon, the head of the district;

Mr Arzaev D., senior specialist of locust control in the district;

At the jamoat “Jura Nazarov”

Met with Mr Mirzomurodov Ziyoulhaq , head of jamoat.

At the jamoat “Obshoron”

Met with Mr Jurabek, head of dehkan farm “Boboi Jurabek”.

Places visited: Treating areas in Khuroson and Jilikul districts on the road to Shaartuz district;

Aivaj area in the border with Afghanistan and Uzbekistan;

“Chilichorchashma” area in Nosiri Khisrav district.

Person met in Kurgantube (workshop) Dushanov Odinagul, senior specialist of department of finance and forecast Management

Body of head of Khatlon

Sodigov Tojidin Argonovich, first deputy of agricultural department of Khalton region

23

Annex 3: List of documents and other reference consulted

1. FAO 2009. Report of Regional Consultation on Locust Management in Caucasus and

Central Asia (CCA), Almaty, Kazakhstan 27-30 October 2009.

2. FAO 2010. Report of the Technical Workshop on Locust Control (Caucasus and

Central Asia) Dushanbe, Tajikistan 18-22 October 2010.

3. FAO 2011. Five-year programme: Towards better national and regional locust

management in Caucasus and central Asia. Concept note.

4. FAO 2009. Project document ‘Improving management of migratory and other locusts

in the Caucasus and Central Asia.’ TCP/INT/3202 (D)

5. FAO, 2010. Technical Workshop Report on Locust Control ‘Overview of strategies

and techniques currently used in locust control’ Dushanbe, Tajikistan, 18 - 22 October

2010.

6. Dobson H. Cressman K. and Lowe J. and Pantenius C., 2003. Desert Locust Master

Trainer Manual. FAO.

7. Monard A., Chiris M. and Latchininsky A., 2009. Locust situations and management

in Caucasus and central Asia - analytical report- FAO.

8. Monthly national locust bulletin of Afghanistan n°1, 24 May 2011

9. Monthly national locust bulletin of Afghanistan n°1, 30 March 2012

10. Monthly national locust bulletin of Afghanistan n°1, 30 April 2012

11. Hamat M. 2011. Report on locust and grasshopper management campaign,

Afghanistan, April to July 2011.

12. Hamat M., 2010. Locusts and grasshoppers management campaign in Afghanistan

March to June, 2010

13. Template of the monthly national locust bulletin –

14. Locusts’ Standard survey form.

15. The FAO website http://www.fao.org/ag/locusts-CCA/en/index.html “Locust Watch –

Locusts in Caucasus and Central Asia”

24

Annex 4. List of the participants to the cross-border survey between Tajikistan and

Afghanistan

List of Afghan participants Mr Marjan Hemat, Head of Integrated Pest Management Division, Plant Protection and

Quarantine Directorate (PPQD), Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and livestock (MAIL),

Afghanistan.

Mr Abdul Raof, Manager, Takhar Province, Plant Protection and Quarantine Directorate

(PPQD), Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and livestock (MAIL), Afghanistan.

Mr Abdul Shakor, Manager, Kunduz Province, Plant Protection and Quarantine Directorate

(PPQD), Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and livestock (MAIL), Afghanistan.

List of Tajik participants Mr K. Ganiev, Head, State Republican Unitary Enterprise (SRUE) “Locust Control”,

Ministry of Agriculture, Tajikistan

Mr W. Mustafokulov, National Consultant

Mr K. Mirzoyev, Head- Khatlon oblast, SRUE “Locust Control”

Mr D. Azizov , Chief, Kumsangir District, Khatlon oblast

Mr M. Nazarov, Senior Specialist, Parzharskogo Kulyab District

FAO Consultants Mr Said Ghaout, Locust Specialist

Mr. Tolibojon Hakimov, Interpreter

25

Annex 5. List of participants of the workshop held on 5-9 June in Kurgantybe, Tajikistan

# Name Surname Date of

birth Country Function Address

e-mail

phone number

experience on

locust

management

1 Fidavs Qodirov 10.04.1988 Tajikistan Khuroson district,

Jamoat “Aini”,

Chorbogh village

Post graduate student,

“Plant Protection”

Department, TAU

1 year

2 Imomiddin Yodgorov 20.12.1954 Tajikistan Rumi district, Jamoat

Frunze, Yangi

Turmush

Senior specialist, district

Agricultural Department

992934201254

992935996232

Since 2007

3 Ravshan Arzaev 10.03.1954 Tajikistan Shhartuz district Nosiri Khusrav district,

Jamoat “Istiqlol”, Beshkent

village

992-93-584-40-30 17 years

4 Faiziddin Kamolov 24.09.1986 Tajikistan Dangar district,

Sebiston settlement,

Galaba village

Specialist, SRUE “Locust

Control” MoA of Tajikistan

992 985876788 5 months

5 Ilhom Ibragimov 30.06.1984 Tajikistan SRUE “Locust

Control” MoA of

Tajikistan

Dushanbe city, 44 Rudaki

street,

giprozemcity@gmail.ru 904209889

918595595

4 years

6 Ismoil Mirzoev 25.05.1950 Tajikistan Representative of

SRUE “Locust

Control” in Sarband

district

Sarband district, “Guliston”

jamoat, “Guliston” village

904-13-24-16 4 years

7 Ismatullo Rabiev 1953 Tajikistan SRUE “Locust

Control” MoA of

Tajikistan, Head of

the Department on

monitoring and

Hissor district, jamoat

Khonakohi Kuhi

9351855646 3 years

26

appearing of locust

8 Mahmadrahim Yorov 27.06.1966 Tajikistan SRUE “Locust

Control” MoA of

Tajikistan

Rudaki district, Chorteppa

jamoat, Juibodom village

904-51-43-40 19 years

9 Saifiddin Sahhobov 15.06.1950 Tajikistan SRUE “Locust

Control” MoA of

Tajikistan,

representative in

Qumsangir district

Qumsangir district, jamoat

Qumsangir

935324406 3 years

10 Sattorqul Zaidulloev 2.03.1952 Tajikistan Khuroson district Quzil kala jamoat, hayoti

Nav village

901052210 6 years

11 Mohammad

Taher

Habib 1963 Afghanistan Plant diseases

specialist

Kabul , Afghanistan Habib.taher290@gmail.com 0799246737 28 years

12 Ahmad

Ahmadzai

Ahmadzai 13.08.1966 Afghanistan Pest survey manager (MAIL) Kabul ,

Afghanistan

Ahmadahmadzai10@yahoo.com 0799096133,

0780233500,

0700807876

10 years

13 Abdul |Raof Faizee 23.02.1971 Afghanistan Plant protection

Quarantine Director,

PPQD

Takhor province,

Afghanistan

0799039877 7 years

14 Abdul Samad Hakimi 7.06.1957 Afghanistan Juzjan province,

PPQD

Agriculture Department,

Juzjan province

0799415320 9 years

15 Ahmad Ershad Fazel 1985 Afghanistan PPQD manager Baghlan province,

Agriculture Department

0708540892 1 year

16 Mohammad

Ishaq

Alokozy 1978 Afghanistan Balkh province,

PPQD manager

0093799270433 7 years

17 Ghulam

Mohammad

Saedi 5.06.1986 Afghanistan Weed control

manager and IPM

Kabul , Afghanistan Ghulam_m2009@yahoo.com 0700645915 2 years

27

member

18 Fazlulhaq Habibi 1980 Afghanistan Nematology manager

and IPM member

Kabul , Afghanistan f.habibi2011@yahoo.com 0786903040 8 years

19 Mohammad

Ismail

Katab 1957 Afghanistan PPQD Faryab

province, Maimana

city

Faryab province Mis.faryab@mail.gov-af 0799274607 25 years

20 Zaki Shirzad 1987 Afghanistan PPQD staff Kunduz province zakishirzad@yahoo.com 0093787807276 1 year

21 Mirjon Hemat Jan. 1960 Afghanistan Head of integrated

Pest management,

PPQD, MATL

Kabul , Afghanistan Hemat009@yahoo.com,

hemat009@gmail.com

0093700265038,

778217189

10 years

22 Abdulshakor Wahabzai 17.01.1966 Afghanistan Head of plant

protection, Kunduz

province

Kunduz province,

Afghanistan

Abdullshakorw@yahoo.com +93799012216 18 years

23 Qiyomoddin Ganiev 16.08.12 Tajikistan Head of the SRUE

“Locust Control”

MoA of Tajikistan

Dushanbe city, 105 Firdavsi

street, apartment 9

905509766@mail.ru +992 905 509766

+992487018893

6 years

24 Usarbek Mustafakulov 12.02.49 Tajikistan Dushanbe city, 21

“a”, 21 Rudaki Ave.

Orchard and vegetable

production Institute

Usarbek.mustafokulov@gmail.com 918-64-98-84 Since 1988

28

Annex 6: Training Workshop Agenda Day Time Topics

May, 5th

09.00-10.00

10.15-12.30

Opening of the training workshop

Introduction to the training workshop (objectives and agenda)

Exchanges on trainees’ experiences in locust operations with

focus on surveys and field data analysis

Pre-evaluation of the trainees

14.00-15.30

15.45- 17.45

Overview of locust management/locust species

Survey process

Discussion

May, 6th

09.00-10.00

10.15-12.30

Survey methods and organization

Survey equipment

Collect of ecological and locust data

Discussions

14.00-15.30

15.45-17.45

Presentation and use of the Locust Survey Form

Transmission of survey results

Presentation of eLocust2

Discussions

May, 7th

09.00-10.00

10.15-12.30

Field data analysis and reporting

Standard national monthly bulletins

Locust situation assessment

Forecasting

Discussions

14.00-15.30

15.45-17.45

Presentation of modern tools used for data collection, analysis,

storage and forecasting (Remote sensing, GIS)

Continuation

Discussions

May, 8th

09.00-10.00

10.15-12.30

Presentation of map reading methods and compass use

Map reading and compass use

Discussions

14.00-15.30

15.45-17.45

Presentation of GPS

Training on how to use GPS

May, 9th

08.30-10.00

10.15-12.30

Training on how to use GPS

Continuation

Discussions

14.00-15.30

15.45-17.45

General discussion

Post evaluation of the trainees

Certificates and closure of the training workshop

29

Annex 7: Standard survey form.

30

ANNEX 8: MONTHLY NATIONAL LOCUST BULLETIN TEMPLATE

COUNTRY

BODY (MINISTRY/DEPARTMENT/SERVICE) IN CHARGE OF LOCUST MANAGEMENT

<Create a header with name of the country + Name & coordinates of the body in charge of locust

management>

MONTHLY NATIONAL LOCUST BULLETIN No ...

Situation level (by each species separately: CIT, DMA, LMI, other): Calm – Caution – Threat – Danger

Insert a colour box to indicate the situation level as follows for Locust warning levels. A colour-coded

scheme indicates the seriousness of the current locust situation: green for calm, yellow for caution,

orange for threat and red for danger. This scheme should be applied to the monthly bulletin’s header.

The levels indicate the perceived risk or threat of current locust infestations to crops and appropriate

actions are suggested for each level.

Insert a summary of 10 lines maximum presenting the general locust, weather, vegetation/crops

situation and information on control operations during the past month, as well as the likely

developments up to 1.5 month.

1. Weather/Ecological/Vegetation/Crops Conditions during [indicate name of the

month considered + year]

2. Area Treated (by each species separately: CIT, DMA, LMI, other)

Provide information on treated areas: location, number of hectares treated & dates/period of control

operations.

3. Locust Situation and Forecast

3.1. Detailed situation (by each species separately: CIT, DMA, LMI, other)

- Chronologic synthesis of the situation observed during the month, ideally by decade.

- Present this synthesis by region/geographical entity.

- Indicate: stage of development (and instar for hoppers) and behaviour (marching/eating/fledging for

hoppers, roosting/flying/eating), density, phase, locations (with GPS coordinates) where observations

were made or infestations reported. For all these data, reference is made to the Standard Survey

Form.

- Nature of control operations using data of the Standard Control Form.

31

- Details on cross-border operations (joint surveys and control).

3.2. Forecast (by each species separately: CIT, DMA, LMI, other)

Based on knowledge of the locust bio-ecology, experience and past similar situations, present the

expected developments for the next month and a half (or for the next year if it is the last bulletin of the

locust season/campaign).

3.3. Map(s) (by each species separately: CIT, DMA, LMI, other)

Insert a map presenting current situation and expected developments during the considered forecast

period.

4. Announcements

Other information concerning:

- Recent and forthcoming meetings & workshops (national & regional)

- Recent and forthcoming training sessions (national & regional)

- Other