Following the start of the rainy season in early March in the south and in late March in the north, rainfall was widespread and above average in April and May. The main maize crop is developing satisfactorily in the south, while the planting of millet and sorghum is drawing to its end in the north. Following favourable conditions in 1996, a good cereal harvest has been gathered, notably in Borgou and Atacora. The ONASA (Office National d’Appui à la Sécurité Alimentaire) estimate of foodcrop production puts 1996 cereal output at about 666 000 tons. The production of roots and tubers, which represents a significant part of food consumption, is estimated at about 2.9 million tons. Pulses production is about 147 000 tons.
The national 1996 foodcrops production was satisfactory and above average, but very unequal between the various regions. Production was above average in northern departments and weak in the southern departments, due notably to an increase in areas planted in cotton. Prices are expected to increase in the south as a result of low production, stockpiling by farmers and traders, and high transport costs. The government is setting up a security stock of about 1 000 tons of maize and helping the creation of on-farm stocks. Domestic prices and food availability are also influenced by unofficial cross border trade with neighbouring countries. Maize and beans are imported from Nigeria while beans are exported to Togo and Burkina-Faso. Yams and gari are exported to Niger. There are about 11 000 Togolese refugees remaining in Benin. The cereal import requirement for 1997 (January/December) is estimated at 195 000 tons (including re-exports), mostly wheat and rice, of which 21 000 tons of food aid.
The first significant rains reached the south-west and the east of the country in late March/early April, allowing land preparation to start quite early this year. Rains decreased in late-April but resumed in early May. They progressed northwards over the entire country and became abundant in the south-west and the centre in late May. Rainfall decreased somewhat in the centre during the first dekad of June but remained widespread over the entire country. Planting of coarse grains is now well underway. Land preparation has started in the extreme north.
Following this good harvest, the overall food supply situation is satisfactory and markets are generally well supplied. Cereal prices remained stable during the first months of 1997 but were higher than average in several provinces due to substantial exports to the capital or to neighbouring countries. As a result, a few departments may face some food supply difficulties notably in the north where the price of millet is ranging between 170 and 220 FCFA per kilo. The government has provided cereals for the "banques de céréales" in the areas at risk. Deficits in northern provinces can be covered by transfer of cereals from the south, for which external assistance may be required. Cereal needs for ongoing food aid programmes can also be covered by local purchases. Tuareg refugees from Mali are currently receiving food assistance.
Seasonably dry conditions prevail. Planting of maize normally starts in July following the onset of the rains on the main islands. Maize production in 1996 was particularly poor, which may cause problems of seed availability in some areas.
As the country imports the bulk of its consumption requirement, the overall food supply situation will remain satisfactory despite this very reduced crop. However, rural populations, notably in the semi-arid zones, will be severely affected and may need assistance. The government has launched an appeal for external assistance including projects for drinking water supply, livestock support and assistance for vulnerable groups. The cereal import requirement in 1997 is estimated at 90 000 tons and the food aid requirement at 65 000 tons. Pledges reported so far amount to 55 000 tons.
Following sporadic early rains in the extreme south in late March, rainfall was more widespread in the south in late April. Quantity decreased in early/mid-May, except in the south-west but increased again in late May. First rains may have been received in the Sahelian zone during the first dekad of June. Planting of coarse grains is underway in the south and will progress northwards following the onset of regular rains. Sorghum is emerging in Léré region and millet is already tillering in Békao area.
Grasshoppers were reported in Ouaddaï and have been treated. Worms also caused substantial damage to maize on islands on Lake Chad. There was an unconfirmed report of Desert Locusts coming from the east in late May, though no further details could be obtained. Low numbers of adults and perhaps a few small groups may appear in the north coming from the Red Sea area, moving towards the west if there is no rain and areas continue to remain dry.
Following a below average crop in 1996, the food supply situation will remain tight in 1997, notably in the Sahelian zone where cereal prices are much higher than in previous years. In addition, the national security stock, which has a recommended level of 22 000 tons, is completely exhausted. The National Early Warning System (SAP) estimated the need of vulnerable populations in the Sahelian zone at 19 500 tons of cereals to be distributed during 6 months from March. The most affected populations are in Biltine prefecture which experienced drought for a second year and pest attacks but also in Batha and Kanem prefecture. The Government has sent sorghum to be sold at subsidized price in these Prefectures. Following an appeal for external assistance amounting to 50 000 tons of cereals launched by the government in December 1996, several donors confirmed or announced food aid contributions, either with imported cereals or from local purchases, notably in Salamat region. However, current pledges for imported food aid amount to about 36 000 tons and therefore do not cover the deficit. Additional contributions are required. Food aid distributions of 7 700 tons to 356 000 beneficiaries under a World Food Program emergency food operation started in June in Biltine and Kanem regions. An FAO/WFP project is also scheduled to provide assistance to the national food information and coordination unit (CASAGC) for the monitoring of the food supply situation and food aid contributions.
Rains started in the south but remained limited in early March. They became very abundant during the third dekad of March over the whole country and remained widespread and abundant in April and May. Rice and the main maize crop are growing satisfactorily in the South-West and the planting of millet and sorghum is almost complete. Official estimates put 1996 cereal output at around 1.8 million tons.
The overall food supply situation is satisfactory and markets are well supplied. About 305 000 Liberian refugees are present in western departments. Their nutritional status is reported to be adequate. WFP, NGOs and donors estimate the caseload of Liberian refugees to be assisted from January 1997 at 175 000 people. The cereal import requirement for 1997 (January/December), is estimated at 505 000 tons mostly wheat and rice.
Seasonably dry conditions prevailed up to late May, when first rains reached eastern parts and allowed land preparation to begin. Rains progressed over the entire country in early June. Wet planting will progress in the weeks ahead following the establishment of the rains.
The overall food supply situation is satisfactory except in Upper River Division following floods which affected crops in August 1996. Rice stocks and planned imports are sufficient to cover consumption requirements in the months ahead. The rice market is well supplied but prices are higher than last year. Following floods in Upper River Division, a multi- disciplinary team estimated the needs of 150 000 affected persons at 2 235 tons of milled rice and recommended the purchase of early millet, maize and rice seeds to be distributed before the 1997 crop season. Cereal imports for domestic use and re-exports in 1996/97 are estimated at 110 000 tons and the food aid requirement at 13 000 tons. More than 600 refugees arrived from Sierra Leone following the coup in late May.
Rains started in early March in the south and became abundant over the entire country in late March, April and May. The main maize crop is growing satisfactorily in southern and central parts while the planting of millet, sorghum and rice are underway in the north. Reflecting good climatic conditions in 1996 and the end of ethnic conflicts in the north, the output of cereals in 1996 is officially estimated at an above-average 1 770 000 tons
Some Togolese refugees still remain in Ghana following large repatriations in 1996. About 135 000 Liberian refugees whose nutritional status is reported to be adequate are also in Ghana. The 1997 cereal import requirement is estimated at 387 000 tons, mostly wheat and rice.
Rains started in late February in the extreme south-east, increased in the south in March and became abundant over the entire country in April and May. The planting of maize, millet, sorghum and rice is finished and crops are growing satisfactorily. As a result of below normal, though widespread rainfall in 1996, and shortage of fertilizers, aggregate cereal output in 1996 is estimated at 894 000 tons, which is about average.
In March, the price of local rice increased but was still lower than last year in the same period. Markets were well supplied with both local and imported rice. Quantities of rice imported during the first quarter of the year are much lower compared to last year. In April, the government imposed a ban on potato imports as local potatoes are currently being harvested and prices were decreasing substantially due to large amounts of imported potatoes on the markets. The cereal import requirement for 1997 is anticipated to be 375 000 tons of wheat and rice. In March, it was estimated that about 650 000 Liberian and Sierra Leonean refugees were in Guinea, most of whom are assisted with emergency food aid. The government and the UNHCR are currently making a inventory of the exact number of remaining refugees. With the ongoing peace process in Liberia, refugees are likely to begin returning while about 5 000 refugees from Sierra Leone have arrived in late May. The caseload of refugees targeted for food aid distribution from January 1997 amounted to 293 000 Liberians and 173 000 Sierra-Leoneans. Following recent upheaval in Sierra Leone and subsequent population movements, the number of Sierra Leonean refugees will need to be reviewed.
The first significant rains reached the east in early-May, decreasing or stopping by mid-May, resuming and progressing westwards in late May/early June. Land preparation for the planting of coarse grains is underway in the east and north. Planting of rice in seedbeds has also started. Transplanting will start in July/August after desalination of swamp rice fields following stronger rains.
Following an above average cereal harvest in 1996, the overall food supply situation is satisfactory. Markets are generally well supplied and prices remain mostly stable. In May, the CFA Franc replaced the peso following entrance of Guinea-Bissau into the UMOA (Union Monétaire Ouest Africaine) and the Franc zone. This will facilitate commercial exchanges with neighbouring Senegal and Mali which have the same currency. Cereal imports for domestic use and re-exports in 1996/97 are estimated at about 70 000 tons, mostly rice. The structural food aid requirement is estimated at 6 000 tons.
Rains started in late February in the south-east, becoming widespread over the entire country in late March, April and May. Planting of rice is underway in the west, whilst cassava is planted over the entire country.
Following the disarmament and demobilization of a total of 21 300 soldiers, security conditions are returning to normal. A peace keeping force is controlling the country, though national elections which were planned for late May have been postponed to mid July 1997. The food supply situation is improving following recovery of trade and commercial activities. Internally Displaced Persons and refugees are returning to their homes and economic activities are being resumed. Agricultural activities are also recovering, following peace conditions prevailing since the beginning of the year. The distribution of seeds and tools is underway nationwide, organized by the Seeds and Tools Committee. A total of 2 700 tons of rice seed and more than 30 000 farming tools are being distributed to about 118 000 vulnerable households. Food aid is also being distributed to cover consumption needs during the planting season. However, in many areas, seed/tool delivery has been delayed, due to poor security and road conditions, notably in the south, where the growing season started in February/March. Quantities of rice seed were also insufficient to cover needs. Although additional quantities have been bought, shipments that had to come from Freetown have been suspended due to civil disturbances in Sierra Leone and will arrive too late for the end of the planting period.
Food production in 1997 is expected to improve somewhat from past years. However, recovery will continue to be constrained by the lack of tools and seeds, the short time farmers had to prepare land, notably in the south east, as well as poor rural infrastructure. An FAO Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission that visited Liberia late last year estimated 1996 paddy production at about 95 000 tons or roughly 30 percent of production pre-civil strife. For 1997, taking into account a rise in population to 2 million people, including returning refugees and using an average per caput consumption over the last five years average, the projected cereal deficit will grow to about 165 000 tons. With commercial cereal imports projected at 50 000 tons, the cereal food aid requirement is estimated at 115 000 tons.
In order to improve the food security situation in the country, FAO is assisting with a number of development activities in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors.
The first significant rains covered the extreme south in early April. They decreased in late April, resumed in early May, again decreased in mid-May but increased as well as progressed to the centre in late May. Abundant precipitation covered the western regions in early June. Land preparation is underway and first planting has started. Plantings will progress northwards following the establishment of the rains.
There were unconfirmed reports of small groups of Desert Locust maturing adults in the Timetrine near Tinkar during the second dekad of May. Low numbers of solitary adults may be present and concentrating in some parts of the Adrar des Iforas and Timetrine. These are expected to persist and may be supplemented by other adults and perhaps a few small groups coming from the Red Sea area. However, numbers are likely to remain low. Small scale egg laying could occur with the onset of seasonal rains.
Following an above average harvest in 1996, the overall food supply situation is satisfactory. Prices of sorghum and maize in April remained below last year and are now generally stable. Supply of cereals is adequate. The National Early Warning System (SAP), estimated that no food distribution is necessary for the moment but that several arrondissements in the north, notably in Kidal, Gao and Tombouctou regions, may face economic difficulties in 1997. Fodder supply is scarce in Kidal region and in Almoustarat arrondissement of Gao region. Terms of trade for pastoralists are generally more favourable than last year. Following the collapse of a dam on Lake Horo in Tombouctou region, more than 1 000 hectares usually cultivated to off-season crops were flooded, leaving about 30 000 persons without production, needing external assistance. The national early warning system recommended maintaining a sufficient stock in Kidal region and to reconstitute stocks in Tombouctou region in order to cover needs in the Lake Horo area. Local purchase of about 17 000 tons of cereals is drawing to a close in Mopti and Ségou regions, thus bringing the national security stock at its initial level of 35 000 tons. For the 1996/97 marketing year (November/October), the cereal import requirement is estimated at 110 000 tons and food aid requirement at 35 000 tons. So far, 7 200 tons have been pledged. Food assistance is also being given to Tuaregs who have returned from neighbouring countries. Between November 1995 and November 1996, about 77 000 Malian refugees returned, arriving from Algeria (42 300), Mauritania (14 000), Niger (8 500), Burkina Faso (5 000) and Senegal (700). For 1997, about 62 000 additional refugees are anticipated to return from Niger (18 000), Burkina Faso (15 000), Mauritania (15 000) and Algeria (14 000).
WFP will continue to provide food assistance to returnees. A new programme of assistance begins in July. Under this operation, refugees will be assisted through food-for-work rehabilitation and resettlement activities together with local populations.
Seasonably dry conditions prevailed up to late May. Satellite imagery indicates that first significant rains may have been received in central and southern parts in early June. Planting of coarse grains should have started following the rains. However, replantings may be necessary if rains do not continue.
Throughout May no Desert Locusts were observed in the north except for an isolated adult near Atar. On the 8th of May, a group of adults was reported in the south near the Malian border. No other locusts were seen in the south. Locust numbers are expected to increase in the south as adults appear from the north. These may be supplemented by other adults and perhaps a few small groups coming from the Red Sea area. However, the number of incoming adults is expected to be low and insignificant. Small-scale egg laying could occur with the onset of the rains.
The overall food supply situation is anticipated to be tight for several populations affected by a poor crop in rainfed areas, notably in Brakna, Gorgol and Tagant regions. Cereal prices are much higher than in previous years at the same period. A multi-agency assessment of the needs of the affected populations recommended food assistance for 200 000 persons for 6 months amounting to 16 500 tons (14 400 tons of cereals, 1 440 tons of beans and 720 tons of vegetable oil). An Emergency Operation has been jointly approved by FAO and WFP to cover these needs and distribution started in June. The government and NGOs have also undertaken or scheduled food distributions in Nouakchott, Nouadhibou and other wilayas not covered by the WFP project. Two camps of Tuareg refugees in the east near Bassiknou will close in late June following repatriation to Mali. Some assistance is scheduled for the local population for rehabilitation of the areas around the camps. For the 1996/97 marketing year (November/October), the cereal import requirement including re-exports is estimated at 310 000 tons and the food aid requirement at 75 000 tons. There were substantial imports in late 1996 and early 1997.
First rains were registered in the south-west and centre- south in late April. They remained limited in the south-west in early and mid-May and progressed to the west in late May. During the first dekad of June, rains increased in the central and south-western parts. In the east, seasonably dry conditions prevail and land preparation has started. Planting will start following the onset of regular rains.
There was an unconfirmed report of isolated Desert Locust solitary adults in Tamesna during May. If confirmed, these locusts are expected to persist and may be supplemented by other adults and perhaps a few small groups coming from the Red Sea area. However, numbers are likely to remain low. Small scale egg laying could occur with the onset of the rains; otherwise, any incoming adults are likely to continue moving westwards.
Despite an above-average harvest in 1996, the food supply situation is anticipated to remain tight before the next harvest in several areas which gathered poor crops in 1996, some for the second successive year. The National Early Warning System (SAPR) estimates that the nine arrondissements of Ouallam, Tahoua, Tanout, Tchintabaraden, N’Guigmi, Arlit, Tchirozerine, Bilma and Agadez commune are particularly vulnerable. Substantial population movements have notably been reported in Tanout area, in Zinder department. Twenty four other arrondissements are also classified as moderately vulnerable and need to be monitored closely. Cereal prices are much higher than last year at the same period and shortages have occurred. Imports from northern Nigeria are also lower than usual due to limited cereal availability.
In late February, an assessment mission visited the vulnerable areas of Maradi, Tanout and Zinder departments and confirmed the tight food supply and nutritional situation. Migrations of entire families had increased. Remaining families were consuming wild food and selling small livestock or borrowing against future harvest. The situation varies greatly in the villages but assistance is most urgently needed in the arrondissement of Tanout and neighbouring areas of Dakoro arrondissement. Some assistance is also needed in urban areas where migrants from affected areas have concentrated, notably in Zinder. In the Tanout and Northern Mirria area, WFP is expanding its ongoing development projects to provide food to an increased number of schools and health centres. WFP is also supplying food stocks to open 40 new cereal banks in addition to re-stocking some 72 existing cereal banks. Food aid distributions or food for work activities are underway in several arrondissements. The national security stock stood at 6 000 tons by late May. Only limited quantities (7 000 tons) could be bought to local traders following a bid for 30 000 tons launched in October for the partial reconstitution of the stock. Several donors had some difficulties in buying locally scheduled quantities for food aid, whilst one donor converted pledged food aid into seed distribution to farmers who will reimburse them with cereals from the next harvest. This will be used for the replenishment of the national security stock. As of mid- April, around 40 000 tons of cereals have been pledged by various donors through local purchases, purchases in neighbouring countries or imported food aid. However, distribution of food aid in affected areas is very slow. Urgent action is needed to expedite distribution or food for work activities.
Rains started in mid March in the south, remained widespread and moved northwards in March and April, and reached the north in late April. Rainfall remained abundant and above average in May. The first maize crop is maturing in the south and being planted in the north. Planting of millet and sorghum are underway in the north, as well as rainfed and irrigated rice in the centre. Torrential rains in late April and early May caused a severe flooding in Ibadan.
Food supply is still constrained by high levels of post- harvest losses and high distribution costs. Shortages of fertilizers, improved seeds and pesticides were reported during planting. As a result, farmers have switched from maize to millet, sorghum and groundnuts, which are less fertilizer dependent. Nevertheless, following good conditions during the growing season and low pest infestations, final cereal output for 1996 is estimated at 21.6 million tons, which is higher than last year. About 55 million tons of roots and tubers, which represent the main foodcrops, were also produced. In 1997, the government announced the complete deregulation of the fertilizer market, including the complete withdrawal of subsidies on the product and tax-free fertilizer imports. As a result, fertilizers will be available but at very high prices and most of the small farmers who produce the bulk of Nigeria foodcrops will not have access to them. A decrease in maize production is expected again for 1997, compensated by a higher output in millet and sorghum. This might have an impact in the neighbouring countries, and notably Niger and Chad, who usually import coarse grains from Nigeria to cover their needs. The cereal import requirement for 1997 is estimated at 1 250 000 tons, including 900 000 tons of wheat and 250 000 tons of rice.
First significant rains were registered in the south-east in early May. They ceased during the second dekad of May but resumed and progressed to the centre-east in late May. Precipitation increased strongly covering most parts of the country during the first dekad of June. Following these good early rains, land preparation and first wet planting are now well underway in the south and the centre. No pest activity has been reported.
The overall food supply situation is satisfactory. Markets are well supplied. Prices of cereals have declined following the harvest but they are now increasing with the arrival of the lean season. The country imports large quantities of rice to cover its consumption requirement. External assistance may be required for the mobilization of cereals from the south to northern deficit areas. For the 1996/97 marketing year (November/October), the cereal import requirement is estimated at 650 000 tons, mostly rice and wheat and the food aid requirement at 22 000 tons. So far 6 000 tons have been pledged.