Following substantial rains in May and June, the weather became almost completely dry from the second dekad of July through the first dekad of August. This dry spell severely stressed crops which failed in many areas. Precipitation resumed on 10 August and remains widespread and well distributed. Some of the crops that suffered temporary wilting have been recovering. However, the dry spell has extended the lean period and this, combined with the reduced millet and sorghum production in the 2001 growing season, has led to a sharp rise in cereal prices in most markets, making access to food difficult for many households especially in rural areas. To assist the affected rural population, the Government has released CFA 15 billion (US$ 23 million) for food assistance and has begun food distributions. An FAO mission which visited the country in late August/early September anticipated a decline in cereal production, notably in the centre and north. However, the extent of the decline will depend on the rainfall pattern through October.
Following renewed fighting between government troops and rebels in the southern Senegalese province of Casamance, at least 9 000 refugees reportedly crossed into The Gambia in early-May. In early July, WFP distributed emergency food rations to 2 047 people, mostly women and children, who had settled along the border.