Our recent research on the Moroccan locust (Dociostaurus maroccanus) has been published in the peer-reviewed journal Insects. The paper explores D. maroccanus distribution, population dynamics, economic impact, and management strategies in Tajikistan from 2012 to 2023. The challenges in Tajikistan are strikingly similar to those faced with desert locusts in East Africa: governance issues, climate change, and toxic pesticides. In fact, compared to East Africa, Central Asian countries like Tajikistan spray even larger amounts of broad-spectrum pesticides.

Our research shows that in Tajikistan outbreaks of economic importance occurred every year between 2012 and 2023. Across the country, a cumulative area of 943,636 ha ( roughly 12 times the size of New York) was treated with chemical insecticides, averaging 78,636 ha (the size of New York) annually. This is particularly timely given the 20th Meeting of the Chemical Review Committee (CRC) of the Rotterdam Convention took place on September 17-20. CRC is pushing chlorpyrifos (a pesticide used against locusts) onto the Rotterdam Convention. The paper emphasizes the critical need for cross-border and regional collaboration, and the adoption of environmentally sustainable control methods, such as biopesticides.