Seasonably dry conditions prevail. Higher than normal temperatures have been reported in early February. The government recently published the final 1997/98 cereal production figures. Aggregate cereal production is now estimated at about 2 million tonnes, which is about 19 percent down from 1996 and 18 percent below the five-year average. This is the lowest level since 1990. The list of deficit areas has also been revised.
Reflecting this below-average harvest, the overall food supply situation will be tight in the areas which gathered reduced crops. The Government has estimated the emergency food aid needs at 67 200 tonnes to cover consumption requirements of 800 000 people for seven months. It has launched an emergency programme, including off-season production, nutrition, cereal banks reconstitution projects, as well as emergency food assistance, in order to assist populations affected by poor harvests in 1997. The Government will provide 9 000 tonnes of cereals to cereal banks and support livestock activities in the affected areas. Tuareg refugees from Mali are also receiving food assistance.