FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/00 - NIGER (6 November)
Widespread and regular rains during the first half of the rainy season were followed by significant decreases in late August and early September. However, precipitation improved in mid-September and remained normal to above normal in late September. The dry spell severely affected crops notably in Diffa, Tahoua and Tillabery departments. Infestations of grasshoppers have been reported in various areas, notably in Diffa, Dosso, Maradi and Tahoua departments. Treatments against grasshoppers and grain eating birds have been undertaken. Low numbers of Desert Locusts were present during September near In Abanrherit, in Tamesna.
A joint FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission in mid-October estimated the 2000 cereal production at 2 319 000 tonnes, which is 19 percent below 1999 level and about 3 percent below the average of the last five years. Following two bumper harvests in 1998 and 1999, farmers could replenish their stocks and the national security stock has been partly reconstituted. However, prices are likely to increase significantly and the food supply situation will tighten following poor harvests in some areas.
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