CHAD (21 May)
Significant rains fell in the extreme south, where land preparation and planting of coarse grains have started.
Following release of the final 2004 cereal production figures, the aggregate cereal production is estimated at 1.2 million tonnes, which is about one-fourth lower than the previous year’s good output. The reduction in production was mainly due to poor rainfall during the 2004 growing season, mainly in the Sahelian zone. Losses due to Desert Locusts infestation were not significant. A joint CILSS/FEWS-Net Mission that visited the country in March observed a precarious food situation characterised by low food supply and high prices. As recommended by the “Comité directeur du comité d'action pour la sécurité alimentaire et la gestion des crises (CASAGC)”, the National Early Warning System, subsidized sales of cereals began in May.
As of late May, the estimated number of Sudanese refugees in eastern Chad was 193 300. More accurate estimates will be available on completion of the joint WFP/UNHCR verification exercise currently underway. WFP has finalized the new phase of EMOP 10327.1 for the period July 2005-December 2006 requiring 92 000 tonnes of food at an estimated cost of about US$82 million. WFP has started food prepositioning in refugee camps before the rainy season starts. Food prepositioning has been completed in southern camps and should be completed for other camps by July.