Locusts frequently ravage crops across the northern half of Africa, triggering food shortages.
Crop-devouring locusts have swarmed across more than 40 villages in eastern parts of the West Africa nation of Guinea-Bissau.
Officials say that the insects appear to be heading northward toward neighboring Senegal. Guinea-Bissau regional representative Queba Balde told AFP that as many as 125 to 150 locusts were found per square yard in some areas.
The plant protection service in the city of Bafata told the agency it has been unable to contain the infestation with its limited resources.
Massive locust swarms in 2004 caused a food crisis in Mali, Senegal and Mauritania.
Photo: U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization