FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/01 - BURKINA FASO (6 November)

The rainy season is over. Rains ceased somewhat early in late September in the north and the centre, thus reducing yield potential for coarse grains which were in the critical grain- filling/maturation stage. Rains were limited in the west in early October and almost completely ceased in mid-October. In the agro-pastoral areas, pastures are abundant while most dams and water points have been refilled. A joint FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission which visited the country in late October estimated with national services the aggregate output of cereals in 2001 at 2 796 000 tonnes. This is 22 percent above the previous year's level and 15 percent above average.

Following this good harvest, the overall food supply is expected to improve from the precarious situation during the lean season following the 2000 reduced harvest in several areas. The national security stock which was depleted by food aid distributions or sales at subsidized prices, is expected to be reconstituted to its optimal level of 35 000 tonnes. However, localized food supply difficulties may persist in some areas affected by poor crops due to the early end of the season.