The 1997 rainy season began relatively early at the beginning of April in the southwest of the country. The rains then moved northwards in May and covered the entire country in June. Rainfall in July was characterized by pockets of drought in the centre, east and north. There was little rainfall in August compared to previous years, especially in the first dekad. Sowing and resowing were staggered until late August, particularly in the centre, centre-north and east, where incidences of drought required replanting until mid-August. The situation improved during the first dekad of September but then degenerated somewhat in the last two dekads of the month, damaging the still young and flowering crops, particularly in the north and centre. The rains in October arrived too late to remedy the situation in many parts of the country.
The pest situation has been calm throughout the growing season, except for some grasshopper infestations of millet, sorghum and maize.
Cereal production for the 1997/98 year has been estimated by a joint FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission in late October/November at 2 275 000 tons, which is 8 percent down from 1996 and 7 percent below the five-year average. This is in fact the lowest level since 1990 and is the result of declines in the output of millet, sorghum and rice by 9 percent, 13 percent and 12 percent respectively. Maize and fonio, on the other hand, have posted increases of 13 and 18 percent. In comparison to average production levels for 1992/93 to 1996/97, rice is expected to be up by 39 percent and maize by 14 percent, while millet, sorghum and fonio should register decreases of between 9 and 14 percent. Only six of the 30 provinces will increase production over last year, and many provinces might register sizeable falls - in some cases more than 40 percent down from 1996.
Reflecting the below-average harvest, the overall food supply situation will be tight in the areas which gathered reduced crops. Markets are generally well supplied except for maize. Cereal prices remain stable and lower than last year except in Ouagadougou and Fada N�Gourma. The Government has planned a meeting with donor representatives in early December to present a plan of action in order to provide assistance in the affected areas. The emergency food aid needs have been estimated at 67 200 tons to cover consumption requirements of 800 000 people for 7 months. Deficits in affected areas can be covered by transfer of cereals from surplus provinces, for which external assistance is required. Cereal needs for ongoing food aid programmes can also be covered by local purchases. Tuareg refugees from Mali are receiving food assistance.