After above-normal rains in late July, precipitation decreased somewhat in early August, notably in the extreme south. It improved significantly during the second dekad and remained widespread in late August. Crops are developing satisfactorily in most agricultural zones. Pastures are abundant, reflecting good rains in the pastoral zones. Grasshopper and other insect infestations are reported in several departments. The desert locust situation is reported to be calm but scattered adults are present and are expected to breed on a small-scale in Tamesna and perhaps in western Air. However, no significant developments are likely.
The final official aggregate 2001 cereal production is estimated at 3.11 million tonnes, about 46 percent higher than the poor crop in the previous year and about one-third more than average. Following this good harvest, the overall food supply situation is satisfactory. However, an untimely sharp rise in cereal prices on all markets across the country has been reported, which makes access to food difficult for poorer sections of the population. The above-normal cereal prices are mainly due to activities of speculators and outflows to Nigeria.
Cereal import requirement in 2001/02 (November/October) is estimated at some 345 000 tonnes, almost half actual imports in the previous year.