FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/00 - CHAD (6 November)
Following generally above-average rains in July, precipitation decreased significantly in the Sahelian zone in August, improved in early September, except in the east of the Sahelian zone, and remained widespread but low during the second dekad, moving southwards during the third dekad and in early October. In the Sahelian zone, millet and sorghum suffered water stress and harvest prospects are not favourable. Pastures are starting to dry up in the Sahelian zone. Grasshopper attacks have been reported in several regions. Grain eating birds caused some damage to millet and maize in Guéra prefecture. No Desert Locust activity is reported, while some Migratory Locusts have been reported in Ati area along the Batha river.
A joint FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission in late October estimated the 2000 cereal production at 890 000 tonnes, which is 28 percent below 1999 record level and 16 percent below the last five years average. Following this reduced harvest, the food supply situation is likely to tighten, notably in the structurally deficit zones of Batha, Biltine, northern Guéra, Kanem, Lac, Logone, western Mayo Kebbi, central Moyen Chari and Ouaddaï. However, following 1998 and 1999 above- average harvests, farmers could replenish their stocks.
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