The Desert Locust Control Organization for Eastern Africa (DLCO-EA) is a regional pest and vector management organization established by an International Convention signed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 1962. Member Countries of the Organization are Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.

Its Headquarters are in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with country Control Reserve Bases in each of the Member Countries. Initially, the Organization was mandated to promote control operations and forecast techniques against upsurges and plagues of Desert Locust in the Eastern Africa region.

Later the mandate was extended to include better management of infestations of other migratory pests, particularly the African Armyworm, the grain-eating Quelea bird and the Tsetse fly that transmits the deadly human sleeping sickness (Trypanosomiasis) or nagana to livestock.

The Organization maintains its own fleet of fixed wing Aircraft for crops spraying and HF Base radio and mobile (vehicle-mounted) transmitter/receiver sets with approved frequencies for official communication in the region. Pest and weather information and data are therefore routinely exchanged; while Aircraft movement is also monitored and contact maintained during field operations or transit flights.

• To promote the most effective control of Desert Locust in the region.

• To offer its services in the co-ordination and reinforcement of national action against the desert locust in the region.

• To assist member governments in the control of Armyworm, Quelea birds and Tsetse flies when the locust situation is calm.
• Concentrate on aerial surveys and control of the mandated migrant pests (in order to supplement the efforts of the Member States).
• Continue with its research programs and activities which are mainly confined to migrant pest control, pesticide use and safety in the region.
• Co-ordinate the information flow and forecasting of upsurges of the migrant pests.
• Increase its role in staff development in the region.
• • DLCO-EA is governed by Council of Ministers who are Ministers of Agriculture/Livestock of member governments. The Council meets annually, reviews progress, makes policy and approves the annual budget and programme of work.
  • The Council appoints an Executive/Technical Committee that is composed of experts from relevant ministries of member countries. The committee assists and advises the Council on matters of proper management of the Organization.
  • The Council also appoints a Director who is the Chief Executive Officer, responsible to the Council for day-to-day management of the Organization. He represents the organization in relation to third parties, etc.
  • The Organization comprises the Divisions of Administration, Finance, Operations/Air Unit, Scientific research and Information and Forecasting Systems.