About Us

Dedicated to Managing Migratory Pests and Ensuring Food Security

Committed to Combating IRLCO-CSA Infestations

The International Red Locust Control Organisation for Central and southern Africa (IRLCO-CSA) is an institution that was founded in the wake of the one of the most extensive, and best studied, locust plagues the African continent has ever suffered. The Organisation emerged as a testament to successful international cooperation in addressing a shared challenge. Founded in 1970, IRLCO-CSA succeeded the International Red Locust Control Service (IRLCS), which was established in 1949 following one of the most severe and well-documented locust plagues in Africa from 1929 to 1944.

The IRLCS was established by an international convention signed by the Governments of United Kingdom, Portugal and Belgium on behalf of their colonies. This coalition was later joined by the independent states of Botswana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Burundi, Rwanda, Zaire, Mozambique and Angola.
Originally headquartered in Abercon (now Mbala) in the Northern Province of Zambia, IRLCO-CSA was later moved to Ndola, Zambia in 1986. The organization operates strategic bases in Beira (Mozambique), Zomba (Malawi), and Tabora (Tanzania), positioned near key red locust outbreak zones. In addition, IRLCO-CSA maintains airstrips in Tanzania at Masenge near Wembere Plains, Kaliua near Malagarasi Basin, and Muze near Rukwa plains, ensuring rapid response capabilities.

Our Objectives

Our Structure

Organized for Effective Pest Management

Our governance and operational framework facilitates collaboration, decision-making, and implementation of control measures across member states. Here’s an overview of our structure and the roles that support our mission.

Governing Council of Ministers

This is highest policy making organ. The Ministers approve the programme of work, and the budget etc. Each Member State is represented by one Minister responsible for Agriculture.

Executive Committee

This is the administrative organ of the Organisation and is responsible for the preparation of business for the Governing Council. Each Member State is represented by one Official, mainly Permanent Secretaries or Directors from Ministries responsible for Agriculture.

Director

Appointed by the Governing Council, heads the Organisation and is based at the Headquarters in Ndola, Zambia.

Staff Members

Recruited from Member States on as wide geographical basis as possible, are mainly based at Ndola, Zambia. Some of them, however, are located at field stations in some Member Countries.

Membership

Who We Work With

Membership is open to all countries affected by the red locust plague of 1929-1944. Current members include Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Our collaborative approach ensures broad participation and shared responsibility in pest management.