Gachie, Eliud BarakaSirera, Ann MereciaOng’amo, George Otieno2024-10-092024-10-092023-09-30Baraka, G. E., Sirera, A. M., & Ongamo, G. O. (2023). The Dilemma of Balancing between Benefits and Risks: Desert Locust Management Best Practices. Path of Science, 9(9), 8001-8008.10.22178/pos.97-15https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/29113Journal ArticleWhile desert locusts threaten human security, their management can introduce unintended risks, leading to a normative dilemma. Therefore, this study sought to determine desert locust management best practices that can protect human security from pests and management practices in Kenya. The analysis used ex-post facto evaluation and cross-sectional survey designs. The target population included desert locust-affected persons. A multi-stage sampling approach using stratified and purposive random sampling techniques was used to target a sample size of 900 respondents. Structured questionnaires and focus group discussions (FGD) were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data was analysed using frequencies and percentages. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis and incorporated in the discussion. The findings revealed that there were several possible desert locust management best practices. The study concludes that the integrated pest management (IPM) approach presents the most preferred opportunity to build resilience against human resource, technical and financial challenges through the progressive use of readily available knowledge and skills during physical control before advancing to more sophisticated strategies such as biological and chemical control options. The study recommends that scholars, policymakers and practitioners develop a customised IPM strategy for desert locust management in Kenya.enArticle