Editorial – Chips | L’Economiste

«Suddenly, disasters are everywhere,» wrote sociologist Michael Guggenheim. Academic interest in disaster preparedness has grown significantly. Many researchers have explored society’s ability to anticipate the worst and to rationalize it through surveillance and preparedness mechanisms—an emerging component of what is now referred to as a form of “governmentality.” This mode of governance is exercised during states of exception, which must be awaited with a heightened sense of “vigilance.”

The Ministry of the Interior has issued reassurances regarding the deployment of its prevention system, following the detection of locust breeding in certain areas. Beyond addressing the immediate threat, preparedness must also consider medium- and long-term challenges. It is equally crucial to adopt a proactive approach to locust control—one that integrates economic, food security, and ecological dimensions.

Although this threat is currently managed far more effectively than in the past—thereby limiting its impact on rural communities—the widespread use of pesticides to eradicate these invaders could further destabilize ecological balances.

The threat of a locust invasion revives deep-seated fears. In the collective imagination, the arrival of desert locusts darkens the skies and alarms both people and animals. It is a harbinger of famine—especially since, historically, these insects have repeatedly destroyed crops, plunging populations into hunger.

But there is no inevitability. The Moroccan relationship with these voracious creatures oscillates between fear and opportunity. The adaptability and resilience of certain communities have even led to locusts being used as a food resource, long before the edible insect craze took hold in developed countries—where “pepper and sun-dried tomato” flavored locusts are now enjoyed like chips.