Farmers in Kasiya Ward of Livingstone District, Southern Zambia, are in panic over food security following a widespread insect invasion of their maize fields.
Although authorities are yet to establish the full extent of the damage, affected farmers have told Diamond News that many have been forced to replant their crops.
One farmer, Rita Nkana who planted 60 kilograms of maize seed in one field, said she lost all the crop at the early growth stage.
Other farmers say the infestation has left them financially strained and deeply concerned about food security, particularly if the supply of insecticides is delayed.
They further complain that recent spraying efforts by local agricultural authorities have reached only a few farmers, leaving many without assistance.
The affected farmers have appealed to the government to urgently deploy advanced spraying mechanisms to protect their crops.
Kasiya Ward Councilor Sydney Mwamba has echoed these calls, warning that without improved spraying systems, food security in the area cannot be guaranteed and could result in hunger.
Meanwhile, Livingstone District Agriculture Coordinating Officer Dr. Jackson Soko says the extent of the damage is still being assessed, as officers continue to consolidate data.
By Gabriel Josias Muuba
