NIGER:

Growing conditions improved in late July following below-normal and irregular rains from late June. After the first rains in the south in mid-May, precipitation covered the centre in early June. In late June and early July, precipitation generally remained irregular and below normal. The dry spell has stressed crops and recently planted crops have failed in several villages, necessitating replantings. However the last dekad registered abundant rains over most producing areas which will benefit crops stressed by earlier drier conditions. Flooding is even reported in Zinder department. Millet and sorghum are generally emerging/tillering, but plantings and replantings are still underway in several villages.

Pastures are regenerating. Grasshopper infestations have been reported in Dosso, Maradi, Tahoua and Zinder departments. Insect attacks are also reported in Dosso and Tahoua, while grain-eating birds have been seen in Diffa. The Desert Locust situation is reported to be calm.

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.