AgriSA is introducing a data-capturing application to help monitor and manage locust outbreaks across South Africa. The platform will enable farmers, district locust officers, and response teams to log sightings and track swarm movements in real time. This will ensure that outbreaks are swiftly identified and effectively contained.

“Over the last decade, AgriSA and its members established a productive working relationship with various authorities to manage outbreaks,” says Janine Byleveld, project spokesperson for AgriSA.

Since August 2025, AgriSA has been engaging with the Directorate: Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Migratory Pest Section: Southern Region, as well as the Department of Agriculture, to strengthen coordination and operational readiness. The expiry of the three-year contracts of district locust officers and foremen created a critical need for renewal and re-nomination across provinces, a process that is currently underway.

The introduction of this application represents a major step forward in early detection, coordination, and response.
The application will serve as a national reporting platform, where users can:

  • Log locust sightings with GPS coordinates and photos.
  • Track the spread and movement of swarms.
  • Enable provincial and national teams to prioritise high-risk areas.
  • Support targeted allocation of equipment, resources, and personnel.

“This tool transforms how we manage locust outbreaks, from reactive to proactive,” says Byleveld. “By empowering those on the ground with real-time information, we can mobilise resources faster and reduce crop losses.”

AgriSA has already convened provincial coordination meetings to ensure all stakeholders are aligned. The intention is to be collaborative and supportive of existing efforts. Therefore, the organisation welcomes any further support and participation, as it would aid the cause of managing locust outbreaks.

AgriSA remains committed to working with government and industry partners to strengthen South Africa’s locust management system, protect agricultural production, and support rural resilience.

The farming community and members of the public can report swarms by using the WhatsApp number: +27 79 467 0702. Upon interaction, step-by-step prompts will guide users on logging locations and details of locust sightings.

For further information or media inquiries, please contact:

Janine Byleveld, project spokesperson for AgriSA
073 291 0557 | janine@agrisa.org.za