The growing season has started in the south and land preparation and first planting of millet and sorghum has started. Plantings will progress northwards following the arrival of rains.
Following an above average 1997/98 aggregate cereal output with record rice production, the overall food supply situation is satisfactory. Cereal surpluses were available and substantial quantities have been exported, notably to Burkina Faso and Mauritania. The national early warning system (SAP) has classified several arrondissements in the north and west of Tombouctou region and in several parts of Kayes, Mopti and Ségou regions as at risk of food supply difficulties and recommended the provision of 8 600 tonnes of cereals to assist 318 000 people for 3 months.