Authorities in Maridi County, Western Equatoria State, say pests are destroying crops in the area.

Residents fear that the destruction may affect their harvest this season.

The County Executive Director, John Ezkia, says they have received complaints from farmers that the pests destroy an acre in an hour.

“The worst thing about these insects is that they can eat up the whole farm of two acres of crops such as the sorghum,” he told Eye Radio.

Mr Ezkia added that about 16% of the expected yield in Maridi has been lost.

Crop pests include fungi, bacteria, viruses, and insects.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, the diversity of crop pests continues to expand and new strains are continually evolving.

Statistics from the FAO shows that losses of major crops to pest could be enough to feed nearly nine percent of today’s global population.