FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report No.1 - April 2005 p.14

BURKINA FASO

The 2004 cereal output has been provisionally estimated at 3.06 million tonnes, some 14 percent lower than the record crop harvested in 2003 but still above the average for the previous five years. Output of millet, the most important staple, which was seriously damaged by drought and desert locusts, declined by 26 percent to about 881 000 tonnes. Cereal imports in the marketing year ending in October 2005 are forecast to increase to some 243 000 tonnes. Commercial imports and pledged food aid will largely cover the rice and wheat requirements. However, the shortfall in millet will be more difficult to offset given the low availability and trade of this cereal in the subregion.