| Area: | 1 030 000 sq.km |
| Climate: | Mostly a Saharian country; semi-arid fringe in extreme south with rains in June-September |
| Population: | 2.49 million (1998 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 460 (1995) |
| Specific characteristics of the country: | Low-income food-deficit country; coastal country |
| Logistics: | Port capacity adequate, though storms during January-March sometimes cause difficulties |
| Major foodcrops: | Wheat, rice, millet and sorghum |
| Marketing year: | November/October; Lean season: July-September |
| Share of cereals in total calorie intake: | 54 percent |
CURRENT SITUATION
First rains in June allowed plantings in some areas. The first significant rains were received in the south and south-east on 11, 16, 20-21 and 24 June. They permitted first localised planting of coarse grains in Guidimaka region. Elsewhere, mainly seasonably dry conditions prevailed up to late July, when rains progressed northwards. Plantings are underway.
Following the first rains, pastures have started to grow in the south and south-west of Hodh El Gharbi. Treatments against grain eating birds have been undertaken in Gorgol and Trarza. No Desert Locust activity has been reported. However, numbers will increase in the summer breeding areas of the south and centre. Laying on a small scale is expected to occur with the onset of the seasonal rains and scattered solitary hoppers may appear.
Following the harvesting of recession and off-season crops, the aggregate output of cereals for 1997/98 is estimated at 152 173 tonnes. This figure, which is close to the estimate by an FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission in October 1997, confirms that production improved from the 1996/97 poor level but remains below average.
The overall food supply situation is anticipated to be tight in the remainder of 1998, notably in the south of Aftout area. Prices of local coarse grains have increased sharply. Following substantial recent commercial imports, wheat and rice prices remain mostly stable. The Government has appealed for international food assistance amounting to about 50 000 tonnes. As of late July, reported pledges amount to 36 000 tonnes.
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| Normal Production | - | 58 | 104 | 162 |
| Normal Imports | 190 | 95 | 20 | 305 |
| of which: Structural food aid | 25 | 5 | 10 | 40 |
| 1997/98 Domestic Availability | - | 54 | 71 | 125 |
| 1997 Production (rice in paddy terms) | - | 81 | 71 | 152 |
| 1997 Production (rice in milled terms) | - | 54 | 71 | 125 |
| Possible stock drawdown | - | - | - | - |
| 1997/98 Utilization | 200 | 154 | 121 | 475 |
| Food Use | 155 | 138 | 108 | 402 |
| of which: local purchase requirement | - | - | - | - |
| Non-food use | 25 | 10 | 12 | 47 |
| Exports or Re-exports | 20 | 2 | 1 | 23 |
| Possible stock build up | - | 4 | - | 4 |
| 1997/98 Import Requirement | 200 1/ | 100 | 50 | 350 1/ |
| Anticipated commercial imports | 180 | 95 | 20 | 295 |
| Food aid needs | 20 | 5 | 30 | 55 |
| Current Aid Position | ||||
| Food aid pledges | 21 | 6 | 9 | 36 |
| of which: Delivered | 4 | 5 | 1 | 10 |
| Donor-financed purchases | - | - | - | - |
| of which: for local use | - | - | - | - |
| for export | - | - | - | - |
| Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/year) | 62 | 56 | 44 | 161 |
| Indexes | ||||
| 1997 production as % of normal: | 94 | |||
| 1997/98 import requirement as % of normal: | 115 | |||
| 1997/98 food aid requirement as % of normal: | 138 |
