NIGER (12 October)
Rains were insufficient in May and June delaying planting and stressing crops in several locations, notably in Maradi and Zinder regions. But precipitation increased significantly with widespread and regular rains over most producing areas from July, benefiting crops. However, an estimated 800 000 hectares have been infested by Desert Locusts as of mid-September, mainly in the Sahelian zone. About 106 000 hectares have been treated as of early October, following improved aerial spraying capacity in the country.
Serious food shortages are not anticipated at national level, due to overall good weather conditions and the current distribution and forecast dynamic of Desert Locusts. However, the impact on food security may be severe in some regions, notably in the Sahelian zone. Over 85 percent of Niger’s population depend on farming for its livelihood and agriculture accounts for 40 percent of GDP; large scale damage to crops would have disastrous food security and economic consequences, notably for the poor 60 percent. A joint FAO/CILSS/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission is currently in the country to estimate the 2004 cereal production and assess the impact of desert locusts on food security.