FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/01 - MALI (6 November)
The rainy season is over. Rains ceased somewhat early in the north and the centre, thus reducing yield potential. Cumulative rainfall has generally been normal to above normal and up from last year. Pastures are abundant. A joint FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission which visited the country in late October gave a provisional estimate of the aggregate output of cereals at around 2.86 million tonnes, 20 percent above 2000 level and well above average.
The overall food situation is satisfactory. Overall cereal prices started to decrease significantly in October, reflecting the good cereal prospects in 2001. The reconstitution of the National Security Stock to its optimum level of 35 000 tonnes will require the purchase of 15 000 tonnes in 2001/02