SENEGAL (25 May)
Seasonably dry conditions prevail in most parts of the country. Rains are expected to start and progress towards the centre and north in June. Availability of seeds may be limited in the regions hard hit last year by desert locust invasion and poor rainfall.
Following release of the final 2004 cereal production figures, aggregate cereal production is estimated at 1 053 583 tonnes, which is 27 percent lower than last year’s record crop of about 1.4 million tonnes, and 2 percent below the five-year average. The price of the important millet crop has been increasing steeply since September in affected regions, reducing access to this main food staple by vulnerable households, notably pastoral and agro-pastoral groups, which were hit especially hard. Although the total cereal import requirement is anticipated to be covered on commercial basis, the country is going to face a difficult lean season, since millet prices are likely to remain high. With scarce pasture and water, livestock condition is reported to be deteriorating in spite of increased movement of herds.
FAO appealed for funds to provide agricultural inputs and assist pastoralists in the Sahelian affected countries, including Senegal. So far, less than 20 percent of the $11.4 million required have been provided. More funds are urgently needed to respond to the worsening situation.