Area:
|
1 259 000 sq.km
|
Climate:
|
From north to south: arid, semi-arid and tropical wet-dry; one rainy season: May-Oct.
|
Population:
|
7.23 million (1998 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: US$ 240 (1997)
|
Specific characteristics of the country:
|
Low-income food-deficit country; land-locked sahelian country.
|
Logistics:
|
Roads inadequate during rainy season
|
Major foodcrops:
|
Millet and sorghum, roots and tubers, tree nuts
|
Marketing year:
|
November/October; Lean season: August-September
|
Share of cereals in total calorie intake:
|
52 percent
|
Seasonably dry conditions prevail. Recession crops are developing satisfactorily. The final official estimate of aggregate 1998 cereal production is a record 1 269 000 tonnes, which is 29 percent above the previous year's output.
The overall food supply situation is satisfactory in the Sahelian zone which gathered well above average harvests. Prices of cereals declined following the harvest. This should facilitate local purchases for the reconstitution of the national security stock (which was almost exhausted) for which external assistance is required. Some food supply difficulties are likely in areas of the Sudanian zone affected by successive poor harvests and/or flooding in 1998, notably in the Logone, Tandjilé and parts of Mayo-Kebbi. Prices of cereals decreased but remained above normal levels. Cash crop production was also reduced, limiting income for farmers.
Wheat
|
Rice
|
Coarse grains
|
Total
| |
Normal Production
|
3
|
83
|
828
|
914
|
Normal Imports
|
50
|
10
|
10
|
70
|
of which: Structural food aid
|
4
|
1
|
10
|
15
|
1998/99 Domestic Availability
|
5
|
74
|
1 195
|
1 274
|
1998 Production (rice in paddy terms)
|
5
|
100
|
1 195
|
1 300
|
1998 Production (rice in milled terms)
|
5
|
69
|
1 195
|
1 269
|
Possible stock drawdown
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
5
|
1998/99 Utilization
|
65
|
86
|
1 195
|
1 346
|
Food Use
|
64
|
74
|
806
|
944
|
of which: local purchase requirement
|
-
|
-
|
20
|
20
|
Non-food use
|
1
|
12
|
189
|
202
|
Exports or Re-exports
|
-
|
-
|
20
|
20
|
Possible stock build up
|
-
|
-
|
180
|
180
|
1998/99 Import Requirement
|
60
|
12
|
-
|
72
|
Anticipated commercial imports
|
50
|
10
|
-
|
60
|
Food aid needs
|
10
|
2
|
-
|
12
|
Current Aid Position
|
||||
Food aid pledges
|
2
|
-
|
1
|
3
|
of which: Delivered
|
2
|
-
|
1
|
3
|
Donor-financed purchases
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
4
|
of which: for local use
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
4
|
for export
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/Year)
|
8
|
10
|
116
|
135
|
Indexes
|
||||
1998 production as % of normal:
|
142
| |||
1998/99 import requirement as % of normal:
|
102
| |||
1998/99 food aid requirement as % of normal:
|
80
|