Africa report 05/96 Individual countries

NIGER

Area: 1 267 000 sq.km
Climate: Northern part arid, southern part semi-arid with rains in June-October
Population: 9.49 million (1995 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 230 (1994)
Specific characteristics of the country: Low-income food-deficit country; land-locked Sahelian country
Logistics: Roads inadequate during rainy season
Major foodcrops: Millet and sorghum, pulses, roots and tubers
Marketing year: November/October; Lean season: July-September
Share of cereals in total calorie intake: 70 percent


CURRENT SITUATION

Seasonal dry conditions prevail. The final estimates of 1995 cereal production have recently been released. They indicate an aggregate production of cereals of 2 090 000 tons (including paddy), which is significantly lower (12.4 percent, i.e. almost 300 000 tons) than crop assessment mission estimates in October 1995, mainly due to a substantial decline in millet production. Isolated Desert Locusts may be present in a few places of Tamesna.As farmers' stocks were high following the almost record crop in 1994, the food supply situation is satisfactory at national level after the average harvest in 1995. Nevertheless, several populations remain at risk of food shortages in structurally deficit areas, notably in Diffa, Agadez and Tillabery departments where recent surveys indicated unusually high levels of malnutrition. In mid-January, the Government made an appeal for international assistance, estimating the needs at some 129 000 tons of cereals and 10 000 tons of feed supplement. In mid-March, the national early warning system warned that the situation was alarming in some areas and that 9 400 tons of cereals were urgently needed. These cereals 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 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 the imported food aid requirement at 50 000 tons. Part of the import requirement can be covered by traditional imports from neighbouring Nigeria.


CEREAL SUPPLY/DEMAND BALANCE FOR THE 1995/96 MARKETING YEAR (in thousand tons)

Wheat Rice Coarse grains Total
Normal production 8 48 2 005 2 061
Normal imports 20 35 70 125
of which: Structural food aid - 5 15 20
1995/96 Domestic availability 3 36 2 148 2 187
1995 Production 3 34 2 036 2 073
Possible stock drawdown - 2 112 114
1995/96 Utilization 28 71 2 288 2 387
Food use 24 69 1 967 2 060
of which: local purchase requirement (-) (-) (20) (20)
Non-food use 4 2 321 327
1995/96 Import Requirement 25 35 140 200
Anticipated commercial imports 25 30 95 150
Food aid needs - 5 45 50
Current Aid Position
Food aid pledges - 1 9 10
of which: Delivered - - 4 4
Donor-financed local purchases - - 2 2
Estimated per caput consumption (kg/year) 3 7 207 217
Indexes
1995 production as % of normal: 101
1995/96 import requirement as % of normal: 160
1995/96 food aid requirement as % of normal: 250
FAO/GIEWS - April 1996

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