Rains were abundant from mid August to late October, and decreased in early November. As a result of good climatic conditions, cereal output in 1997 is expected to be above average. Some areas, notably in the centre, experienced dry periods in July and August and might have delayed the planting of second season crops. Millet and sorghum are being harvested in the north. Rice is being harvested and the second maize crop is growing satisfactorily in the south. Preliminary production estimates for 1997 point to about 755 000 tons of cereals, 1.2 million tons of roots and tubers, and 102 000 tons of pulses, an aggregate output well above average.
Markets are well supplied with foodstuffs. About 10 000 refugees from Ghana remain in the country.