FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 09/01 - CHAD (7 September)
After substantial rainfall in late July, rains decreased somewhat in early August but remained widespread and above normal. They increased significantly during the second dekad of August and became abundant during the last dekad. Flooding in lowland sorghum fields is reported in the sub-prefectures of Mangalmé, Doum-Doum and the two Logones. Cumulative rainfall as of late August was well above last year’s level and above average. Soil moisture reserves are plentiful and crops are developing satisfactorily. Millet and sorghum are heading/maturing in the sudanian zone while they are tillering/elongating in the sahelian zone. Crop prospects are favourable reflecting widespread and regular rains in all agricultural zones.
Following a below-average harvest in 2000, the food supply situation remained tight during the lean season in the chronically deficit areas of the Sahelian zone. In August, a joint CILSS/FEWS-NET/WFP assessment mission visited the at- risk zones which had been affected by poor crops in 2000. Prices of millet have increased sharply during the lean season. The food aid received to date has not covered the needs. A WFP Emergency Operation is underway to provide 27 000 tonnes of food aid to 375 000 beneficiaries in eight departments of the Sahelian zone. Cereal prices eased slightly in late August reflecting anticipated good harvests of the 2001 crop.