FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 06/01 - MALI (18 June)
The first significant rains were registered in the extreme south in mid-April. They progressed northwards and were above normal during the first and second dekads of May but they decreased during the third dekad. Precipitation was generally adequate in early and mid-June. Land preparation is underway and first plantings of millet and sorghum have started in the south. They will progress northwards with the onset of the rains.
As recommended by the National Early Warning System, distribution of seeds has been undertaken in various areas. The pest situation is calm. Low numbers of Desert Locusts are likely to be present and will persist in a few areas of Timetrine and the Adrar des Iforas. Limited breeding could start in these areas if rainfall occurs.
Following an average harvest and two successive bumper crops in 1998 and 1999, farmers� stocks are still available for the lean season. The national security stock is also at its recommended level of 35 000 tonnes (plus 25 000 tonnes in the form of �financial� security stock). Therefore, the overall food situation is satisfactory. However, cereal prices increased significantly in April. In S�gou region, the average price of millet in mid-April was 26 percent higher than in March, 56 percent higher than the price in April last year and 30 percent higher than the previous five-year average price. The SAP (national early warning system) classified almost 400 000 persons as at risk of �food difficulties� in the �cercles� of Douentza, Mopti, Bandiagara and Youvarou in Mopti region; Niafunk� and Gourma-Rharous in Tombouctou region; Gao, Ansongo, Bourem and M�naka in Gao region and Kidal and Ab��bara in Kidal region. It recommended the distribution of 10 790 tonnes of millet and sorghum to these populations for 3 months.