FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report - August 1997

MALI

CURRENT SITUATION

Generally above normal rains are benefiting plantings and emergence of recently planted crops. The rainy season started in the south in April. Rains progressed northwards in May and reached the sahelian zone in June. Precipitation was particularly abundant in the west in early and mid-June and in the centre in mid and late June. Cumulative rainfall is generally above last year’s level and above average. Planting is well underway and coarse grains are emerging satisfactorily in the south. Land preparation and plantings are progressing in the sahelian zone.

Grasshoppers have been reported in several areas, notably in Niono, Simbi and Troungoumbé areas. Army worms are also present in rice seedbeds in Niono but no crop damage is reported. Low numbers of solitary Desert Locust adults may be present in some parts of the Adrar des Iforas and Timetrine in the north. Numbers may increase slightly if adults appear from the east. Breeding on a small scale is expected to commence with the onset of the seasonal rains in these areas.

The overall food supply situation is satisfactory. Prices of cereals remain below last year. 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 less 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 in Mopti and Ségou regions, brought the national security stock to its initial level of 35 000 tons. For the 1996/97 marketing year (November/October), the cereal import requirement is estimated at 100 000 tons and food aid requirement at 35 000 tons. Food assistance is also being given to Tuaregs who have returned from neighbouring countries. A new WFP 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.