FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 06/01 -

The rainy season has started on time in the south and the centre. First showers were recorded in late March in the south-east but significant rains came during the second dekad of April in the south-west and the centre-south. Precipitation decreased in late April but improved and became widespread in May. However, the north remained dry. Land preparation and planting of millet and sorghum is now underway in the south, west and centre. The availability of seeds may be limited in some areas following poor harvests in several provinces last year. No pest activity is reported.

Off-season crops have been harvested. Final 2000 production figures and the 2000/01 cereal balance sheet were revised in late April by the government, and the aggregate output of cereals is now estimated at 2 286 300 tonnes, which is 15 percent below the 1999 level and 6 percent below the last five years average.

Following this reduced crop, the overall food supply situation is tight in several deficit areas, notably in the north, the centre and the east. The return of Burkinab� from C�te d�Ivoire to their villages has also put additional pressure on food supply. Prices of cereals increased sharply in the north, east and centre in February and March. However, in April and May, prices eased slightly in the north but remained much higher than at this time last year. The Government plans to distribute 34 000 tonnes of food aid to 527 000 vulnerable people in 25 affected provinces, of which 18 000 tonnes will be taken from the National Security Stock.