After the start of the rainy season in March, 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 appealed 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 was gathered, notably in Borgou and Atacora. The ONASA (Office National d’Appui à la Sécurité Alimentaire) estimated 1996 cereal output at about 667 000 tons. Production was above average in northern departments but low in the southern departments, due mainly to an increase in areas planted to cotton. The production of roots and tubers, which represents a significant part of food consumption, is estimated at about 2.9 million tons. Pulse production is put at about 147 000 tons.
The overall food supply situation is satisfactory. The Government is setting up a security stock of about 1 000 tons of maize and assisting the creation of on-farm stocks. Domestic prices and food availability are influenced by informal cross-border trade with neighbouring countries. Although this is decreasing, maize is still imported from Togo and Nigeria. Foodcrop prices have stopped increasing 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.
Following generally adequate rains in late May and June, precipitation was below normal and badly distributed during the first two dekads of July except in the north. Rains increased significantly during the last dekad over the entire country. Following these reduced rains in July, cumulative rainfall which was above average in May and June due to an early start of the rainy season, became equal or slightly below average as of late July. With the improving rains in late July, millet and sorghum crops have recovered and are developing satisfactorily. Precipitation remained widespread in early August. In the southern half of the country, crops are generally in the vegetation stage. Plantings and replantings are completed countrywide. Pastures are regenerating quickly in the north. Water reserves are well replenished.
Grasshoppers infestations have been reported on 1 500 hectares, including 1 320 hectares of planted areas. Treatments are underway. Caterpillars attacks have also been reported on 4 350 hectares.
Following an above-average 1996 harvest, the overall food supply situation is satisfactory and markets are generally well supplied. Due to arrival on the markets of fresh maize and early millet, cereal prices are decreasing in most provinces except in the north where they are increasing and where some population may face food supply difficulties. 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. There are about 24 000 Tuareg refugees from Mali who are currently receiving food assistance. Their nutritional status is reported to be stable.
The first significant rains were registered on 20 and 22 July on Santiago island, 20 to 22 July and 30 July on Fogo island and 21 July on Brava island. The weather remained dry on Santo Antao and San Nicolau islands. These first rains allowed planting and germination of maize on Santiago and Fogo 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 the very reduced 1996 crop. However, rural populations, notably in the semi-arid zones, have been severely affected and may need assistance. The government has launched an appeal for external assistance including projects for the supply of drinking water, livestock support and assistance to 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 61 000 tons.
Following generally above normal rains in June over most producing areas, precipitation remained widespread and abundant in July. Well above normal rains have been received in July in the Sahelian zone as well as in the south-east. Precipitation was particularly abundant in late July in the eastern regions (in Ouaddaï and Salamat prefectures) and remained widespread and regular in early August. Cumulative rainfall as of late July is normal to above normal almost everywhere. Reflecting these favourable growing conditions, soil moisture reserves are adequate and coarse grains are developing satisfactorily. Pastures are regenerating well countrywide.
Grasshoppers are reported in Biltine and in Moundou regions. Treatments have been undertaken in Biltine region. Low numbers of solitary Desert Locust adults may be present in some parts of B.E.T (Borkou-Ennedi-Tibesti) and lay on a small scale in areas of favourable conditions.
Following a below-average crop in 1996, the food supply situation remains 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) had 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 the second consecutive year and pest attacks, but also in Batha and Kanem prefecture. The Government has sent sorghum to be sold at subsidized price in many of these prefectures and food distributions started in June. 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. Current pledges amount to about 41 000 tons; therefore additional contributions are required to cover the deficit . In addition, the distribution of food aid in the affected areas is very slow and several villages or cantons targeted have not received any. Distributions of 7 700 tons of food aid to 356 000 beneficiaries under a World Food Program emergency food operation started in June in Biltine and Kanem regions. As of 15 July, more than 3 300 tons of food has been distributed to 275 000 beneficiaries. 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.
Light rains, which started in the south in early March became very abundant during the third dekad of the month over the whole country and remained widespread and abundant in April. In May, rainfall decreased in the first and second dekads, resumed towards the end of the month and remained abundant in early and mid June. A significant reduction occurred during the last dekad of June. In July, rainfall has been normal to above normal. The main maize crop is maturing satisfactorily while the planting of millet, sorghum and rice is almost complete. Reflecting good climatic conditions, the output of cereals in 1996 is officially estimated at an above-average level of 1 787 000 tons.
The overall food supply situation is satisfactory and markets are well supplied. About 305 000 Liberian refugees are present in the western departments. Their nutritional status is reported to be adequate. WFP, NGOs and other donors estimated 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.
Following above normal precipitation in June which permitted the start of plantings, rains decreased somewhat in early July and stopped during the second dekad. They resumed during the third dekad but remained below normal. This dry spell may have affected recently planted crops and delayed transplanting of rice.
The overall food supply situation is satisfactory except in Upper River Division following floods which affected crops in 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 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.
Rainfall started in early March in the south and became abundant over the entire country towards the end of the month. Rains remained abundant and widespread until the third dekad of June when they decreased significantly. As of beginning of July, precipitation remains above average over the entire country. The main maize crop is maturing satisfactorily in southern and central parts while the sowing of millet, sorghum and rice are drawing to an end in the north.
Reflecting good weather conditions and the end of ethnic conflicts in the north, the output of cereals in 1996 is officially estimated at an above-average level of 1.77 million tons. Some Togolese refugees still remain in Ghana after large repatriations in 1996. Also about 135 000 Liberian refugees, whose nutritional status is reported to be adequate, are present in the country. The 1997 cereal import requirement is estimated at 387 000 tons, mostly wheat and rice.
Rains started in late March in the extreme south-east, increased in the south in April and became abundant over the entire country in May and June. Cumulative precipitation as of the end of June is above average. The first maize, millet and sorghum crops are growing satisfactorily, while they are at emerging/tillering stage in the centre. Sorghum is still being planted in the north. Planting of rice is completed, except for swamp and low-lying areas in the south. As a result of below-normal, though widespread, rainfall and shortage of fertilizers, aggregate cereal output in 1996 is estimated at 890 000 tons, which is about average.
Markets are 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. The Government has imposed a ban on potato imports to support the prices of locally produced products. The cereal import requirement for 1997 is anticipated to be 375 000 tons. In June, it was estimated that about 545 000 Liberian and Sierra Leonean refugees were in Guinea, most of whom assisted with emergency food aid. With the new political developments in Liberia, refugees are likely to begin returning while an additional 30 000 refugees from Sierra Leone have arrived during the last two months following civil disturbances. The caseload of refugees targeted for food aid distribution in 1997 amounted in June to 293 000 Liberians and 173 000 Sierra-Leoneans. Following the recent upheaval in Sierra Leone and subsequent population movements, the number of Sierra Leonean refugees will need to be reviewed.
Abundant rains in June permitted widespread plantings of coarse grains in the east and the north and an early start of land preparation in swamp areas. As precipitation was less abundant in July, transplanting of rice from seedbeds to swamp areas has been delayed. Precipitation increased in early August, allowing transplanting to continue following desalination of swamp rice fields.
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 the 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 only in late March, which is quite late. Precipitation remained abundant and widespread in April, May and early June, and decreased during the second and third dekad of June. Cumulative rainfall as of the end of June is reported normal to above normal. The season is well under way and planting period for upland (rain-fed) rice is just over. Food production in 1997 is expected to improve somewhat from past years. Relative peace and stability continue to prevail throughout the country and have exerted a positive influence on farming activities. The farming population has been very busy with land preparation and planting, particularly in Lofa, Bong and Nimba counties considered to be the grain basket of the country. Therefore, the cultivated area this year should be substantially higher than in 1996. Although the lack of hand tools and the limited stock of rice seed were limiting factors, this was alleviated by a massive seed and tool distribution programme. Preliminary reports show that some 118 000 vulnerable families, or some 55 percent of the total, should have been reached by the seed and tool distribution programme. No major climatic constraint or pest have been reported. Rice and cassava yields should be similar to the estimates for the 1996 growing season.
Following the disarmament and demobilization of some 21 300 soldiers, security conditions are returning to normal. A peace keeping force is deployed in the country and national presidential elections were held in mid July 1997. The food supply situation is improving following recovery of trade and commercial activities. The displaced population is spontaneously returning to areas of origin. Data collected by international organizations show that at least 50 000 Liberian refugees have resettled in Lofa, Nimba and Grand Gedeh counties during the first five months of the year. At the same time the numbers of internally displaced persons in Monrovia and Buchanan were sharply reduced with at least 100 000 people moving mainly to Grand Bassa, Rivercess, Bomi and Cape Mount counties. Food aid is being distributed to cover consumption needs during the planting season. Food supply on the urban market is stable and, in general, prices have declined since the beginning of the year. In particular, the price of imported rice in Monrovia has gone down from 25 Liberian Dollars/kg to 21 Liberian Dollars/kg. However, the food supply situation in rural areas will continue to be tight, especially during the lean season of August-September. Overall, Liberia will remain dependent on food aid, especially for the counties with a high number of returnees.
Following generally above normal rains in May, precipitation remained abundant in the west in early and mid-June and in the centre in mid and late June. Above normal rains were registered in the centre-east in early and mid-July and in the south-west in late July while they remained generally widespread and regular in the other regions. Cumulative rainfall as of 31 July is reported normal to above normal for most meteorological stations of the south and the centre. It is well below normal in Kayes, Mopti and Nara. Coarse grains are growing satisfactorily in the south and are emerging in the Sahelian zone, while rice is emerging or being transplanted in the “offices-riz”. Pastures are regenerating satisfactorily and water is abundant in water points.
Grasshopper infestations are reported on millet and sorghum in the Sahelian zone, notably in Dilly, Fallou, Mourdiah and Sébété areas where some replantings have been necessary. Caterpillars attacked young sorghum in Kirané area. Groups of Desert Locust adults appeared in June in the Adrar des Iforas and west of Tombouctou near Lac Faguibine and Lac Fate, where conditions were favourable for breeding. Nomads reported a large swarm in the Tilemsi Valley and in the Timetrine area but control operation teams could find only low densities of adults during further surveys. Low numbers of solitary adults are expected to persist in some parts of the Adrar des Iforas, Timetrine and Tilemsi as well as further west near Tombouctou. Others are likely to be present or appear near Gourma and Nioro. These are likely to breed on a small scale in those areas where conditions are favourable. These small locust numbers are unlikely to affect the food supply situation.
The overall food supply situation is satisfactory. Prices of cereals remain below last year and supply of cereals is adequate. Fodder supply is scarce in Kidal region and in Almoustarat arrondissement of Gao region where 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 that the national marketing board organize intervention sales in several arrondissements in Kidal and in Tombouctou region, in order to cover needs in the Lake Horo area. 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.
Reduced precipitation in July severely affected crops planted following good early rains of June. The first significant rains which reached the centre-south in early June and progressed in the south and the east in mid and late June, permitted an early planting of coarse grains. However, mostly dry weather persisted in July in the south-west while precipitation decreased significantly in mid and late July in the south-east. Dry weather was persisting in early August. As a result, most “dieri” rainfed crops plantings failed. Replantings are necessary but seed availability is limited. By contrast, prospects are more favourable for the irrigated sector where it is anticipated that larger areas can be sown.
Aerial and ground treatments against grain eating birds have been undertaken in several areas. During surveys carried out in the first half of July, solitary Desert Locust appeared in the summer breeding areas of the south, at a few places between Kiffa and Tidjikja. By the end of the month, isolated adults were also present between Nema and the Malian border to the east and south-east. Locust numbers will increase slightly in the central and eastern areas of the south as a result of solitary breeding which is expected to be on a small scale and patchy. Adults may also appear in the south- west and lay if rainfall occurs. These small locust numbers are unlikely to affect the food supply situation.
The overall food supply situation is reported to be tight for sections of the population affected by a poor crop in rainfed areas in 1996, especially in Brakna, Gorgol and Tagant regions. Cereal prices are much higher than in previous years in the same period. A multi-agency assessment of the needs of the affected populations recommended food assistance amounting to 16 500 tons for 200 000 persons for 6 months. An Emergency Operation has been jointly approved by FAO and WFP to cover these needs. The government and NGOs have also undertaken or scheduled food distributions in Nouakchott, Nouadhibou and other wilayas not covered by the WFP project. 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.
Following generally adequate rains in May and June over the main producing areas which permitted widespread plantings, rains increased in early July. They decreased during the second dekad but resumed in late July and early August in the west and south-west while they remained below normal in the centre and the east. Cumulative rainfall is reported above normal in about half of the meteorological stations. Plantings are completed almost everywhere. Stages of development of the crops vary in the regions but they are predominantly in the vegetative stage.
Infestations of grasshoppers are reported in Diffa and Zinder departments. Insect attacks are also reported in several areas, notably on the niébé in the centre-south. Low numbers of solitary Desert Locust adults are likely to be present in some parts of the Tamesna and western Aïr where they are expected to breed in areas of green vegetation which developed following good rains in June-July. Other adults may appear and breed in the Tahoua and Tillabery areas. These small locust numbers are unlikely to affect the food supply situation.
Despite an above-average harvest in 1996, the food supply situation is tight in several areas which gathered poor crops, some for the second successive year. The National Early Warning System (SAPR) estimated that the arrondissements of Ouallam, Tahoua, Tanout, Tchintabaraden, N’Guigmi, Arlit, Tchirozerine, Bilma and Agadez commune are particularly vulnerable. 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 the vulnerable areas of Maradi, Tanout and Zinder departments, the food supply is tight and an abnormal number of families have migrated while remaining families are consuming wild food, selling small livestock or borrowing against future harvest. Substantial population movements have been reported especially in Tanout area, in Zinder department. The situation varies greatly amongst 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 where about 4 000 people have set up a camp. A cholera outbreak has also been reported. 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 ones.
Rains started in mid March in the south, remained abundant and widespread, moving northwards in April and continued copious and above average in May and June. In the south, the first maize crop is being harvested, while the crop is growing satisfactorily in the north. In the centre, planting of rainfed and irrigated rice is completed, while millet and sorghum are growing well in the north. 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, many farmers have switched from maize to millet, sorghum and groundnuts, which are less fertilizer dependent. Following good growing conditions during the last growing season and low pest infestations, final cereal output for 1996 is estimated at 21.6 million tons, which is higher than the previous year. About 55 million tons of roots and tubers, which are the main foodcrops, were also produced. In 1997, the Government announced the complete deregulation of the fertilizer market, including the complete withdrawal of subsidies 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, but compensated by a higher output of millet and sorghum. This is likely to have an impact in the neighbouring countries, notably Niger and Chad, which 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.
Mostly dry weather in mid July severely affected newly planted crops. Following generally early and above normal rains in May in the south-east and in the rest of the country in June, precipitation decreased in early July and weather became almost completely dry during the second dekad of the month over the entire country. Rains resumed during the last dekad, except in the north-west, but remained generally below normal. In early August, the northern half of the country remained mostly dry. Cumulative rainfall as of late July is reported below normal everywhere except in the extreme south. Following the good early rains, land preparation and wet planting started earlier than usual in the south and the centre. The dry spell in mid-July is likely to have severely stressed crops and recently planted crops may have failed on large areas. Replantings will be necessary notably in the centre and the north but seed availability problems may occur.
Grasshoppers infestations are reported in Diourbel, Fatick, Kaolack and Louga regions. Caterpillar attacks in mid-July have been treated by village teams.
The overall food supply situation is satisfactory, although markets in urban areas are better supplied than in rural areas. Prices of cereals are generally lower than last year but are starting to increase in several markets 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 10 000 tons have been pledged.
The recent political upheaval in Sierra Leone has aggravated the already precarious food security situation in the country. Following the upheaval, the security situation remains very volatile, international aid workers have been evacuated and rehabilitation projects have been put on hold. Up to 20 000 people have fled to neighbouring countries, mostly to Guinea and The Gambia. As a result of the embargo imposed by ECOWAS, the food supply situation is tightening in the main towns. The price of rice has doubled in Freetown and the supply of food and water is deteriorating. As a result, people are increasingly consuming bulgur wheat and cassava. An acute fuel shortage is also reported and severely affects all economic activities. Only a limited number of shops and markets have re-opened since the upheaval. Limited food distributions to vulnerable people in Freetown, Bo, Kenema and Makeni are underway for about 26 000 persons. Despite the looting, about 21 000 tons of relief food was reported to be available in the country as of first of July. In late 1996, an FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission estimated paddy production at about 391 000 tons which was 10 percent above the previous year. Production of root crops was also projected to increase by 7 percent to an estimated 328 000 tons. Cereal import requirement for 1997 had been estimated at 260 000 tons and the food aid requirement at some 80 000 tons. Cereal food aid requirements to support resettlement/rehabilitation activities implemented by WFP and CRS had been estimated at 60 500 tons. With the current upheaval, import and food aid requirements will increase significantly.
Insecurity has severely hampered agricultural activities, especially the planting of the main crops which normally takes place in April to June. Light rains started in late March in the south-east, and remained very sparse in April. The rainy season properly started in early May with substantial and widespread rains throughout the month. Precipitation remained widespread in June and decreased during the third dekad. Planting of millet, maize and rice are drawing to an end, while sorghum is emerging. However, the upheaval and subsequent insecurity will adversely affect the 1997 food production. Contrary to previous expectations resulting from the return to peace, planted areas are likely to be sharply reduced. Some farmers are abandoning their farms while others are discouraged from cultivating large areas. For rice, which is the main cereal, seedbeds have already been planted but transplanting still needs to be done. With regard to cassava, the impact may be less as this crop can remain stored in the ground. For all planted crops, the reduction of activity in the fields during the growing cycle will reduce yields. Insecurity will also affect the distribution of inputs. Thus, despite the implementation of rehabilitation programmes until mid-May, the prospects for the 1997 food production have deteriorated and the country will continue to rely heavily on food aid to meet its consumption needs.
Rains started in early March over the south and the centre, and became abundant during the last dekad of March. Precipitation remained abundant and widespread in April, May and June. Cereal output in 1997 is expected to be above average. The main maize crop is maturing or harvested, while planting of millet and sorghum is drawing to an end in the north. Following abundant but irregular rainfall, the cereal output for 1996 is estimated at about 650 000 tons, which is above average. Root and tuber production is estimated at about 980 000 tons and pulses at 56 000 tons, both higher than last year.
Markets are well supplied with foodstuffs. Prices, which had increased from January to June, are now decreasing, following the marketing of fresh crops and vegetables. About 10 000 refugees from Ghana remain in the country but the overall number declined significantly in 1996 following repatriation which was encouraged by a shift in humanitarian aid policy from relief to rehabilitation, such as provision of seeds and money, and a reduction in food aid distributions.