About DLCO-EA
The Desert Locust Control Organization for Eastern Africa (DLCO-EA) is a regional pest and vector management organization established by an International Convention signed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 1962. Member Countries of the Organization include Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.
Its Headquarters are located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with country Control Reserve Bases in each of the Member Countries. Initially, the Organization was mandated to promote control operations and forecast techniques against upsurges and plagues of the Desert Locust in the Eastern Africa region.
Later the mandate was extended to include better management of infestations of other migratory pests, particularly the African Armyworm, the grain-eating Quelea bird and the Tsetse fly that transmits the deadly human sleeping sickness (Trypanosomiasis) or nagana to livestock.
The Organization maintains its own fleet of fixed wing Aircraft for spraying crops and HF Base radio and mobile (vehicle-mounted) transmitter/receiver sets with approved frequencies for official communication in the region. Pest and weather information and data are therefore routinely exchanged; while Aircraft movement is also monitored and contact maintained during field operations or transit flights.
Mandate of DLCO-EA
Aerial survey and control of Desert Locusts and other mandated and emerging migratory pests and vectors (Quelea bird, armyworm and tsetse fly, etc).
Applied Research on migratory pests, pesticides use and safety in the region.
Forecasting of migratory pests, information sharing and coordination.
Staff development in the member countries.