MAURITANIA:
Most rainfed crops failed following dry weather in July and early August but strong rains in late August/early September filled water reservoirs and improved prospects for production below dams and in low-lying areas. Following first significant early rains in June, which permitted early planting of coarse grains, dry weather occurred in July and early August. As a result, most “dieri” (rainfed) crop plantings failed. Dieri production represents about one third of total cereal production in a normal year. Replantings when rains resumed in mid-August were limited by insufficient seed availability. Abundant and widespread rains in late August and early September filled the water reservoirs. Thus, prospects for production below dams improved significantly and pastures are now growing satisfactorily. Prospects are more favourable than last year for the irrigated rice sector as larger areas could be sown. An FAO/WFP/Government assessment mission was organised from 31 August to 7 September to visit the affected regions and confirmed the very poor prospects for dieri production and improved prospects for other types of production and pastures following recent good rains.
A few isolated Desert Locust adults have been seen throughout August near Kiffa and Nema. No locusts were seen during surveys carried out in the south-west. As a result of the widespread good rains in late August and early September, Desert Locust breeding is expected to occur during September within a large area of the south and south-east (the two Hodhs), extending north into central areas (southern Tagant) and to the south-west (Trarza and western Brakna). Consequently, solitary locust numbers are expected to increase.
