Seasonably dry conditions prevail. The final estimates of 1996 cereal production were officially released on 5 March. They indicate an aggregate production of cereals of 2 482 000 tons, which is slightly above the 2 461 000 tons estimated by a joint FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission last year. This is 7.5 percent above 1995 (2 308 000 tons) and 1 percent above average for the last five years. This increase in aggregate production is due to an increase in all crops except fonio (- 8 percent). Maize, rice and millet production increased respectively by 39, 33 and 10 percent compared to 1995/96. 18 provinces registered an increase in production, notably in Boulgou (+ 83 percent), Yatenga (+ 68 percent), Passoré (+ 51 percent), Sourou (+ 48 percent) and Soum (+ 31 percent). By contrast, production decreased in Kouritenga (- 60 percent), Oudalan, Poni, Samnatenga and Séno (around - 30 percent).
The overall food supply situation is satisfactory. Cereal prices declined in October/November following the arrival of recently harvested crops or imported cereals from Mali in the north. They continued to decline in December/January but remained higher than average in several provinces due to substantial exports to the capital or to neighbouring countries. As a result, some departments may face some food supply difficulties. The government will provide 2 700 tons of cereals for the "banques de céréales" in the areas at risk. Deficits in northern provinces can be covered by transfer of cereals from the south, for which external assistance may be required. Cereal needs for ongoing food aid programmes can also be covered by local purchases. Tuareg refugees from Mali are currently receiving food assistance. Their total number has decreased to 25 000 following repatriation.