In the north, above average rainfall in May allowed planting of rice, millet and sorghum which are growing well. Precipitation decreased significantly in June but remained close to average. It remained weak in July and early August, notably in the centre, but resumed in mid-August. Millet and sorghum had to be replanted in some areas. In the south, the harvest of the first maize crop is almost complete and land preparation has begun for the second maize crop.
The food supply situation is satisfactory. Maize from the first harvest is being marketed. Vegetables, millet, sorghum and maize are still imported from Nigeria. In April, UNHCR launched an appeal for the repatriation of about 21 000 Togolese refugees. The cereal import requirement for 1996 (including re-export) is estimated at 255 000 tons mostly wheat and rice. An epidemic of cholera affected 3 200 persons in the northern departments of Atakora and Borgou.
Following generally above-normal rains in May, precipitation decreased significantly in mid and late June over central and northern parts, necessitating substantial replanting. In July, rainfall resumed and was generally widespread and adequate except in central and northern parts during the second dekad. Precipitation remained widespread and adequate in early/mid-August, improving significantly in the extreme north. As a result of erratic rainfall, crop development has been variable in different parts. Millet and sorghum are generally tillering or elongating in the south, the west and the east. They are emerging/tillering in the centre, while in the north replantings are still underway. Pastures are regenerating. Water reserves are being replenished. The pest situation is calm. No Desert Locust activity has been reported.
Although 1995 cereal production remained about average, food supply difficulties are reported in some traditionally deficit areas affected by a poor crop. Cereal prices increased sharply in July following stock retention by farmers after poor rainfall in the early part of the season. Millet and sorghum became scarce in Ouagadougou markets, where prices doubled compared to last year. Following an international appeal for emergency assistance launched in December 1995 for 700 000 people in 17 provinces considered most at risk, donors have agreed to release 9 700 tons of cereals from the national security stock and committed to replenish it from local purchases following the next harvest. These cereals are being sold at a subsidized price of 60 F.CFA per kg in affected areas (against a consumer price usually ranging between 90 and 120 F.CFA in mid-May). In the other regions, markets are generally well supplied and cereal prices remain mostly stable. Tuareg refugees from Mali in the last five years (mainly since June 1994) are also currently receiving food assistance. UNHCR and WFP estimate their total number at 39 000, of which 33 000 are receiving food assistance in refugee camps. The cereal import requirement for the 1995/96 marketing year (November/October) is estimated at 140 000 tons and food aid requirements at 38 000 tons. As of mid-August, 34 000 tons have been pledged of which about 28 000 tons have been delivered so far.
Rains have started on all islands and allowed maize planting to begin. First rains were received in July on all islands but remained very irregular. On 30 July, good rainfall was registered in several meteorological stations (up to 114.6 mm in Espia). Fogo and Santo Antao islands received abundant rains, while they were more limited on Santiago and the other islands. Planting of maize and pulses is underway; crops are emerging in Fogo and Santo Antao islands.
Despite a limited harvest in 1995, markets are well supplied, especially with horticultural products during this last part of the dry season. The overall food supply situation is satisfactory, as the country imports the bulk of its consumption requirement. Cereal import requirement in 1996 is estimated at 90 000 tons, most of which is in the form of food aid. About 32 500 tons have been pledged so far of which 11 500 tons have been delivered.
Growing conditions improved in late July and the first and second dekad of August following below-normal and irregular rains earlier, notably in the Sahelian zone. After the start of the rainy season in April in the south, rainfall progressed northwards in May and June. In early/mid-July, precipitation generally remained irregular and below normal, except in Moyen-Chari region where rainfall exceeded 100 mm on 11 July. In the Sahelian zone, dry weather or precipitation below 10 mm was registered in most areas during the first two dekads of July. During the third dekad, rains improved, notably in the Kanem, where, in Mao, 55 mm was received on 24 July and 66.7 mm on 31 July. Precipitation remained abundant in the centre and the south in early August and intensified in mid-August, notably in the east-centre. In the Sudanian zone, millet and sorghum are in the elongation phase, and maize is starting to head. In the Sahelian zone, following dry conditions in early/mid-July, replantings have been necessary and seed supply difficulties are likely. Growing conditions improved in mid-August. Pastures are growing well in the Sudanian zone but remain poor in the Sahelian zone.
Some caterpillars have been reported in Lac region as well as grasshoppers in Gu�ra region. No Desert Locusts have been seen, but low to moderate numbers of adults may be present in Tibesti , southern Ennedi and Biltine and breeding in areas where rains may have fallen recently. Consequently, hoppers and new adults will appear. There is also a threat of invasions from northern Niger, where swarms have recently been reported.
Following two successive good harvests, the overall food supply situation is satisfactory but tightening in several areas of the Sahelian region. Difficulties have been reported in Kanem region, notably in Mao and Nokou areas, where markets are not well supplied, cereal prices are particularly high and seasonal migration is high. Supply difficulties and high cereal prices are also reported in Biltine prefecture, notably in Arada and Iriba areas, where cereal prices doubled compared to last year, and in Ab�ch�-Rural area in northern Ouadda� prefecture. However, in several areas, cereal prices declined in May and June following the arrival of early rains and the impact of distribution or sales at subsidized prices. The national early warning system estimated that a total of 333 000 persons were vulnerable to food shortages in villages of the prefectures of Kanem, Biltine, Batha, Ouadda�, Lac and Chari-Baguirmi. It estimated that about 9 600 tons of food aid was needed for a period of 4 months beginning April/May 1996. Cereals can be drawn from the national food security reserve. In Batha, Biltine, Kanem and Ouadda� regions an epidemic of cholera developed in June/July. The fall in domestic crop production in 1995 has lead to a slight increase in cereal import requirement for 1995/96, which is estimated at 65 000 tons of wheat and rice. Imported food aid requirement is estimated at 2 000 tons. However, 21 000 tons have been pledged and 12 000 tons delivered so far.
Following abundant rains in May, precipitation decreased significantly in June, resumed in early July and stopped during the third dekad. Rains resumed in the north in August but remained light. Millet and sorghum, which were planted in May in the north, had to be replanted in some areas. Rice is developing satisfactorily in the south-west. The first maize crop planted in March is harvested. Heavy rains in early July caused flooding in northern Abidjan suburbs but remained light in the other areas.
The overall food supply situation is satisfactory and markets are well supplied. Approximately 305 000 Liberian refugees remain in C�te d�Ivoire. WFP and UNHCR have implemented a strategy for phasing out self-sufficient Liberian refugees from free food distribution. As a result, only 250 000 refugees have been retained for food distribution. Recent fighting in Liberia has not led to large scale influx of refugees. The cereal import requirement for 1996 (including re-export) is estimated at 535 000 tons mostly wheat and rice.
Recently planted crops are generally growing satisfactorily. Following the start of the rainy season in early June in the east, precipitation covered the entire country in mid and late June. Rains increased significantly in early July, decreased during the second dekad but resumed in the third. Heavy rains in early August caused flooding in Upper River Division, damaging infrastructure and affecting about 300 persons in Basse, as well as some neighbouring villages and refugee camps in Kundam. Planting of coarse grains is almost complete and crops are generally growing satisfactorily. Transplanting of rice is now underway.
The overall food supply situation is satisfactory. The rice market is well supplied but prices are higher than last year, due to higher international prices. The cereal import requirement for the 1995/96 marketing year (November/October) is estimated at 100 000 tons and the food aid requirement at 11 000 tons. So far 5 000 tons have been pledged and 3 500 tons delivered.
Following abundant rains in May, precipitation decreased in mid-June/early July, resumed in mid-July and stopped during the last dekad. Millet and sorghum, which were planted in May are developing satisfactorily. The harvest of the first maize crop is almost complete and the second maize crop is being planted in the north. In the south, rice is growing well and the first maize crop planted in March is being harvested.
There are approximately 71 000 Togolese refugees in Ghana, of whom 50 000 are expected to repatriated in 1996, and about 16 000 Liberian refugees whose nutritional status is reported to be adequate. The cereal import requirement for 1996 (including re-export) is estimated at 270 000 tons mostly wheat and rice.
Rains were abundant and widespread over the entire country in July and August and cumulative rainfall as of mid-August was above normal. Millet, sorghum, maize and rice are growing satisfactorily. Pastures are abundant.
There are approximately 605 000 Liberian and Sierra-Leonean refugees in Guinea, of whom 536 000 receive food aid. No large scale influx of refugees occurred after the recent fighting in Liberia. The cereal import requirement for 1996 (including re-export) is estimated at 240 000 tons mostly wheat and rice.
Following somewhat reduced rains in mid/late June, precipitation improved significantly in early July and remained widespread and abundant over the entire country in mid/late July. Rainfall generally exceeded 100 mm during the second and third dekads except in the centre where it decreased in mid July but became abundant in late July (34.4 mm during the second dekad and 190.4 mm during the third in Fulacunda meteorological station). In contrast, rainfall decreased significantly in the first dekad of August over the entire country but resumed in the second. In the east, maize is elongating/maturing. Insect attacks are reported in most regions and free pesticide distributions have been organized. Coarse grains are developing satisfactorily in the east and the north. Preparation of upland and swamp rice fields is well underway and transplanting has begun.
The overall food supply situation is satisfactory. Markets are well supplied and prices remain mostly stable. Cereal imports for domestic use and re-exports in 1996 are estimated at 70 000 tons, mostly rice. Structural food aid requirement is estimated at 6 000 tons.
Large population displacement and serious disruption to relief and rehabilitation operations occurred following violence in Monrovia in May. Displaced people have sought refuge in Bushroad island, Kakata, Toteta, Ganta and Gbnarge. The security situation is now improving and food aid is being distributed in the city. Food prices in Monrovia are reported to be four times normal. However, fighting has spread into rural areas and violence is reported in the south-east and in the Bomi and Grand Cape Mount counties, again resulting in population displacement.
Food assistance in the rest of the country is limited as access by road remains highly insecure. On 10 June, a Joint Statement was issued by NGOs operating in Liberia, declaring that only minimal assistance would be provided as long as faction leaders do not demonstrate commitment to the �Humanitarian Assistance Guiding Principles�. Food distribution is underway for an indicative target of 630 000 people. Plans for the repatriation of Liberian refugees have been put on hold. Cross border food supply resumed from C�te d�Ivoire to Nimba and Bong counties. Serious nutritional problems are reported in areas where the distribution of food aid is frequently hampered by security problems.
Following substantial rains in May and early June, precipitation decreased during the second and third dekads of June, resumed in the two first dekads of July, notably in the north, and stopped during the third. Very light rains occurred in the first half of August. Rice is growing satisfactorily in secure areas, as tools and agricultural inputs have been provided by rehabilitation programmes. However, the 1996 output will again remain limited and is not expected to recover from 1995.
Improved rains in late July compensated for reduced precipitation in early/mid-July, notably in the Sahelian zone. Following timely onset of rains in May, precipitation progressed northwards in June. In early July, rains remained widespread but decreased or ceased in the Sahelian zone during the second dekad. Precipitation resumed or increased significantly during the third dekad, notably in the west and the south. Rains remained abundant in early August in the south-west but decreased elsewhere, notably in the centre- east and the north. They remained limited in mid-August in the centre where a dry spell may have stressed crops. Maize, millet and sorghum are generally tillering or in the elongation stage for first plantings. In the Sahelian zone, replantings have been necessary. In the north, crop are likely to fail if rains remain insufficient.
The pest situation is mostly calm. Some grasshoppers have been reported in the Sahelian zone. Desert Locust infestations were present in Wadi Tinkar in late June and early July. Adults were seen at several locations in the northern Adrar des Iforas during the first dekad of July. Swarms were also said to be present on the other side of the border. In late July, adults continued to appear in the north from North-West Africa and there were two mature swarms east of Gao which necessitated control operations. Breeding will continue in the north, mainly in the Adrar des Iforas, and is likely to extend to other areas such as southern Tamesna and near Tombouctou where there has been recent rainfall. This is likely to be augmented by laying adults coming from the north in early August. Consequently, low to moderate numbers of hoppers and new adults will appear that could form small bands and swarms.
Following two favourable harvests in succession, the overall food supply situation is satisfactory. On 13 June, the tax on imported rice was reduced, which decreased the average price of imported rice from 300 F.CFA to 270 F.CFA. Local rice is currently sold between 275 and 285 F.CFA. Prices of sorghum and maize have increased and markets are adequately supplied.
Nevertheless, some areas are facing difficulties following a poor harvest, notably in structurally deficit areas of the north. The national early warning system (SAP) indicated that the three arrondissements of Bamba, Bourem central and T�m�ra of Bourem circle in Gao region were facing food shortages. 4 065 tons of cereals from the National Security Stock financed by multilateral and bilateral donors will be distributed to about 64 500 people over seven months starting February/March 1996. Following food aid distributions, the food and nutritional situation of these populations has improved. In addition, risk of food shortages are reported in several arrondissements in Mopti and Kidal regions as well as in some arrondissements of Gao region. For the affected population of some 317 100 people in these areas, the early warning system recommended a total of 8 567 tons of food aid. The quantity was released from the National Security Stock and distributed from June to mid-August. Elsewhere, the food supply situation is reported to be satisfactory.
Assistance will also be necessary for the Tuaregs who have started to return from Mauritania in Kidal region in the camps of Annefis and Inabague. Some surplus coarse grains are available in the south and can be mobilized to cover food aid needs mentioned above. For the 1995/96 marketing year (November/October), the cereal import requirement is estimated at 105 000 tons and food aid requirement at 25 000 tons. The 6 500 tons pledged so far are expected to be delivered by the end of August.
Good rainfall in late July in the south and the south-east benefited recently planted crops. Following the onset of first rains in June, some precipitation was registered in the south-east during the first dekad of July and in the south- west during the second, but remained generally below normal. In contrast, rainfall increased notably in the third dekad around 24 and 29 July, particularly in the south-east. Favourable rainfall benefited planting and crop emergence. In early and mid-August, precipitation decreased somewhat but remained widespread. Crops are tillering/elongating in Guidimakha and the two Hodhs. Crops are emerging in Assaba, Brakna and Gorgol areas. Pasture are starting to grow in the centre and the south-east.
Desert Locust numbers increased during the first half of July in the south-west and south-east. In July, a small group of adults was present near Aioun El Atrous and a mature swarm near Nema. Additional adults and several small swarms appeared in central and southern areas early in August. Breeding is expected to be in progress in some areas of the south, especially in the two Hodhs where recent rainfall has been the heaviest and to a lesser extent in southern Trarza. Breeding will continue and probably extend to other central and southern areas. Control operations have started.
Following two successive bumper crops, the overall food supply situation is satisfactory. Substantial imports of rice arrived in May. Although prices of imported wheat increased slightly, markets remain well supplied. In the 1995/96 marketing year (November/October), cereal imports for domestic use and re-export are estimated at 250 000 tons and food aid requirement at 50 000 tons. Food assistance is being distributed to Tuareg refugees in camps in the east of the country. Their number is currently estimated at 28 000 compared to 80 000 in late 1994. Over a period of 14 months, 14 110 refugees returned to Mali. Of those remaining, about 1 000 per month are anticipated to return. Mauritanian refugees in Senegal, following civil disturbances along the Senegal river in 1989, will start to return to Mauritania. Out of the 60 000 refugees currently in Senegal, a first contingent of 4 000 was expected to return to Mauritania from mid-June, but the operation has been delayed due to logistical problems.
Crops have been affected by reduced precipitation/dry weather in early/mid-July or early August but conditions improved in late July and mid-August. Following generally above-normal rains up to mid-June, precipitation decreased in late June and remained limited during the first two dekads of July, notably during the second, which registered particularly low rains or dry weather in many areas. Therefore, cumulative rainfall, which was generally above normal as of 20 June, fell below normal as of 20 July in several meteorological stations, notably in the centre-east, in Maradi and Zinder Departments. However, the last dekad registered abundant rains over most producing areas which will benefit crops stressed by earlier drier conditions. Flooding is reported in Dosso and Tahoua department. Reduced rains in early August may have again affected crops, notably in the centre and the east, but precipitation increased significantly over main producing areas in mid-August. Millet and sorghum are generally tillering/elongating, but plantings were still underway in early July in some villages of Diffa and Zinder departments in the east and Tillabery department in the north- west. Pastures are regenerating satisfactorily.
Grasshopper infestations are reported in several areas in Diffa, Dosso, Maradi, Tillabery and Zinder departments. Grain- eating birds have been seen near N�Guigmi, in Diffa department in mid-July, while some insects attacked millet in Dosso and Gaya arrondissments. Rodents are also reported in Maradi department. Desert Locusts have been reported by recent surveys in A�r and Tamesna. Some of these may already be breeding, while others are expected to continue to mature and lay. Current infestations are likely to be augmented by adults that come from the north in early August and lay. Consequently, hoppers and new adults will appear that could form small bands and swarms.
Following two successive above-average harvests in 1994 and 1995, the food supply situation is satisfactory at national level but risks of food shortages remain in structurally deficit areas, notably in Diffa, Agadez and Tillabery departments. Prices of cereals have increased significantly in recent months. In January, the Government launched an appeal for external assistance. The �Network for the Prevention of Food Crises in the Sahel� of the Club du Sahel (OECD) organized a meeting in late April to review the situation on the basis of recent assessments and final production figures and launched an appeal to the donor community, estimating emergency needs at 50 000 tons of cereals. Part of this amount can be drawn from the national security stock, provided donors assist with replenishment. Several donors confirmed food aid pledges or availability of funds for local purchases. On-going or new food for work projects are also being targeted for vulnerable populations in areas at risk. For the 1995/96 marketing year (November/October), the cereal import requirement is estimated by FAO at 200 000 tons and food aid requirement at 50 000 tons. So far, some 36 000 tons have been pledged of which 13 900 tons need to be imported. Part of the import requirement can be covered by traditional imports from neighbouring Nigeria.
After abundant rains in the south in late May, precipitation remained widespread in June. Rainfall increased in July and remained widespread during the first two dekads of August, favouring development of millet and sorghum. The first maize crop is maturing in the north while the second maize crop is being planted in the south. Cumulative rainfall as of the end of July was normal to above normal over the whole country.
The Government has started a food storage programme, including the construction of 26 silos providing a 636 000 tons storage capacity and the installation of 500 improved storage structures for farmers, in order to reduce large post- harvest losses. An epidemic of cholera has caused more than 800 deaths in the north since early June.
The cereal import requirement for 1996 is estimated at 1 020 000 tons, including 700 000 tons of wheat and 250 000 tons of rice.
The rainy season started in May in the south-east. Rains progressed northwards in June but remained limited. In early July, they became abundant in the south while the north remained mostly dry. In mid-July, some rainfall occurred in the north. In late July, the intensity of the rains increased in the south and the west and were registered in the whole country on 25 and 29 July. As of 31 July, cumulative rainfall was generally normal except in Velingara and Bakel in the south and in Diourbel, Kaolak and Mbour in the centre- west. In early August, cloud coverage was widespread over the entire country but the intensity of the rains is likely to have decreased significantly, notably in the south. During the second dekad of August, precipitation increased significantly in the south and east. Millet, sorghum and maize are reaching the heading phase in the south and the centre. They are tillering/elongating in the north. Rice is tillering/elongating. Pastures are regenerating satisfactorily in the south and the centre-south.
Grasshoppers are reported in several areas. Very low densities of Desert Locust adults were seen on 21 July in the Senegal River Valley at two locations near Thikite within 500 hectares and 800 hectares respectively. Low numbers of adults are expected to move back and forth across the border in the Senegal River Valley. Additional adults that arrive in the north are expected to lay and low numbers of hoppers should appear during August.
The overall food supply situation is satisfactory and markets are generally well supplied except for maize. Prices of rice remain stable but are high. Prices of millet, sorghum and maize increased somewhat in both rural and urban markets but this is normal during the lean season. Some assistance may be needed for the procurement of surplus coarse grains in the south and its movement to traditional deficit areas in the north. For the 1995/96 marketing year (November/October), the cereal import requirement is estimated at 700 000 tons, mostly rice and wheat, including the structural food aid requirement of 27 000 tons. As of end-July, about 17 000 tons have been pledged and delivered. About 4 000 Mauritanian refugees are anticipated to return to Mauritania as soon as logistical problems are solved.