MAURITANIA:

Reduced precipitation in July severely affected crops planted following early rains in June. The first significant rains received in June in Gorgol, Guidimakha, Hodh El Gharbi and Assaba permitted an early planting of coarse grains. However, precipitation decreased considerably and mostly dry weather persisted in July. Cumulative rainfall as of late July was below average in most meteorological stations. As a result, most rainfed crops plantings failed. Replantings are necessary but seed shortages are likely following the 2001 reduced harvest.

Aerial and ground treatments against grain-eating birds are continuing in Trarza departement where pest control teams have treated 2 897 hectares as of 30 July. No Desert Locust activity has been reported. However, low numbers of adults are likely to be present in the summer breeding areas of the two Hodhs where small-scale breeding could be in progress.

Satellite Images (Cold Cloud Duration for the last three dekads)

Legend

Page with graphics of the evolution of Cold Cloud Duration average values over various zones of the country and compared to 1989-1995 average values.