The 2025-2026 anti-locust campaign shows particularly positive results, according to FAO in Madagascar. Led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty through the National Anti-locust Control Centre (IFVM), the operation received technical support from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Through strengthened coordination between ground and aerial interventions, a total of 253,572 hectares infested with locusts were treated across five affected regions, particularly in the southern part of the island. In operational details, over 178,000 hectares underwent targeted aerial treatments. The direct impact of these interventions proved major for the rural economy. They secured harvests for 360,000 farming households, preserving their livelihoods and directly supporting food security in affected areas.

Biopesticides. To conduct this campaign, significant logistical resources were deployed by FAO in partnership with the supervising ministry, including two helicopters and five ground teams, along with 320,000 liters of pesticides. This edition is also distinguished by applying an integrated pest management strategy, combining health safety and environmental protection. Biopesticides were sprayed over 8,517 hectares of infested land, contributing to environmental and biodiversity preservation, as well as protecting local populations' health. The government imported both product types to maximize intervention effectiveness.

Parallel to emergency actions, the campaign significantly strengthened national capacity for prevention and rapid response. An early warning locust cell was established for early detection and continuous swarm monitoring. Infestation tracking now relies on digitalized processes, particularly advanced mapping systems. Local communities were also sensitized and involved in early surveillance and risk management. These operations are financed by the World Bank through the Food Systems Resilience Project (FSRP).

These results reflect encouraging medium-term momentum. Over two years covering the last two campaigns, over 555,000 hectares of infested land were treated and protected nationwide. For the 2026-2027 campaign, stakeholders plan consolidating gains by strengthening early detection and accelerating data collection, analysis and management digitalization. According to FAO in Madagascar, an additional 8 million dollar financing is now necessary to complete this four-year program, aiming for sustainable locust remission by 2028.

Scientific achievements. The government should actively encourage national actors, particularly the scientific community, to design and develop local biopesticides. Increased private sector support is essential for industrial-scale production. This approach would significantly reduce anti-locust campaign financial costs while freeing Madagascar from structural dependence on chemical product imports, often expensive and harmful to public health and environment. The country already possesses expertise: the National Centre for Applied Research in Rural Development (FOFIFA) conducted promising work on this subject years ago. Capitalizing on and reviving these scientific achievements would constitute a major strategic lever for consolidating the Great Island's health and ecological sovereignty.