CHAD
Growing conditions improved in late July following below-normal and irregular rains in early and mid-July, 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 and mid-July, precipitation generally remained irregular and below normal, except in Moyen-Chari region where rains exceeding 100 mm have been registered on 11 July. In the Sahelian zone, dry weather or precipitation below 10 mm have been registered in most areas during the first two dekads of July. During the third dekad of the month, 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. In the Sudanian zone, millet and sorghum are in the elongation phase, maize is starting heading. In the Sahelian zone, following dry conditions in early and mid-July, replantings have been necessary and seed supply difficulties are likely. 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 Guéra 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 recently fallen. Consequently, hoppers and new adults will appear. There is also a threat of invasions from northern Niger, where swarms have recently been reported.
