FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/98 - NIGER (25 November)
A joint CILSS/FAO Crop Assessment Mission which visited the country from 19-23 October estimated the 1998 aggregate cereal production at 3 037 756 tonnes, comprising 2 973 904 tonnes of millet and sorghum, 53 255 tonnes of paddy, 6 497 tonnes of maize and 4 100 tonnes of wheat. This estimated record production is 77 percent higher than in 1997 and about 45 percent above the average of the last five years. Good weather conditions and relatively low pest infestations largely account for this good outturn.
The overall food supply situation is anticipated to be satisfactory in light of the expected good harvest. However, despite this increase in harvest, the food supply situation is likely to be tight in some areas which are chronically food deficit. In addition, about 42 000 flood victims need specific assistance, as requested by a UN General Assembly appeal on 10 November.
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