FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report - August 1997

BENIN

CURRENT SITUATION

Following the start of the rainy season in early March in the south and in late March in the north, rainfall was widespread and abundant in April, May and June. Well above average rainfall occurred in April over the centre and in June over the South of the country. Flooding occurred in June in Cotonou and Porto Novo. The government has addressed and appeal for international assistance. The main maize crop is being harvested, while millet and sorghum are growing satisfactorily 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) estimated 1996 cereal output at about 668 000 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. 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. Cross border trade is decreasing but maize is still imported from Togo and Nigeria. Foodcrops prices have stopped to increase as the first harvest is promising and markets well supplied. There are about 11 000 Togolese refugees remaining in Benin. The cereal import requirement for 1997 (January/December) is estimated at 190 000 tons (including re-exports), mostly wheat and rice, of which 16 000 tons of food aid.