Seasonably hot and dry conditions prevail. Higher than normal temperatures have been reported in early February. Harvesting of recession crops is underway. Aggregate cereal production in 1997/98 is estimated at 2.25 million tonnes, marginally down from 1996 but 4 percent above the average for the past five years. Late reports stated that small scale Desert Locust breeding, which commenced in September, continued in late 1997 in parts of the Tamesna. Groups of adults as well as solitarious and hoppers were present between Agadez and Arlit. Similar infestations were also reported at several places to the north-west of Arlit. Low numbers of solitarious adults will persist in a few places of Tamesna.
Despite this average harvest, the food supply is anticipated to be tight in several deficit areas which gathered poor crops, some for the second or third successive year. Cereal prices are particularly high, notably in Tillabery, Agadez, Tahoua and Diffa departments. The National Early Warnign System (SAP) estimated that most affected areas are the arrondissements of Diffa, Abalack, Agadez, Ouallam, Tchitabaradebm Arlit, Bilma, Ma�n� Soroa, N�Guigmi and Tchirozerine, the first five being particularly at risk. The Government has launched an appeal for international assistance to cover the needs of the affected populations in the vulnerable areas. It has requested especially that ongoing projects in affected areas organize activities in the coming weeks for off-season production in order to prevent population movements. However, higher than normal migrations of families or men in search of work are reported from the north of Tillabery department.
Following the government appeal, several donors have offered assistance for off-season gardening projects or pledged food aid contributions.