FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 10/00 - SENEGAL (15 September)
Following abundant rains in late July and early August which caused localized flooding in Dakar, Louga and Saint Louis areas, rains decreased significantly during the second dekad of August but resumed in late August, except in the north. Soil water reserves were generally sufficient to cover crop needs and crop development is reported to be normal in all the agro-ecological zones. However, reduced rains in the north in late August/early September and in the south-east in early September may cause water stress.
Pastures have regenerated satisfactorily following strong rains in late July/early August. Grasshopper attacks have been reported in Bambey, Gossas, M'Bour, Tivaouane and Thi�s departments. Insect and rodent infestations are also reported. As of 29 August, 41 500 hectares had been treated of which 17 000 hectares against grasshoppers. A joint FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission is scheduled in October to estimate 2000 cereal production.
According to national statistical services, aggregate cereal production in 1999 is estimated at a record of 1 256 000 tonnes (with rice in paddy equivalent), which is 35 percent above 1998 and 34 percent above the fiveyear average. The overall food situation is satisfactory. Markets are well supplied and the price of rice is stable. Prices of local cereals remained also mostly stable during the lean stable. The cereal import requirement for the 1999/2000 marketing year is estimated at 760 000 tonnes, including 450 000 tonnes of rice.