Sahel Report No 3/96 Mali

MALI

Undisplayed Graphic

Improved rains in late July have compensated for reduced precipitation in early or mid July, notably in the Sahelian zone. Following a timely onset of the rains in May, precipitation progressed northwards in June. In early July, rains remained widespread but decreased or ceased in the Sahelian zone during the second dekad. Precipitation resumed or increased significantly during the third dekad, notably in the west and the south. Rains remained abundant in early August in the south-west but they decreased elsewhere and notably in the centre-east and the north. Maize, millet and sorghum are generally tillering or in the elongation stage for the first plantings. In the Sahelian zone, replantings have been necessary. In the north, plantings are likely to fail if rains remain insufficient.

The pest situation is mostly calm. Some grasshoppers have been reported in the Sahelian zone. Desert Locust infestations were present in Wadi Tinkar in late June and early July. Adults were seen at several locations in the northern Adrar des Iforas during the first dekad of July. Swarms were also said to be present on the other side of the border. In late July, adults continued to appear in the north from North-West Africa and there was an unconfirmed report of a mature swarm east of Gao. Breeding will continue in the north, mainly in the Adrar des Iforas, and is likely to extend to other areas such as southern Tamesna and near Tombouctou where recent rains have fallen. This is likely to be augmented by adults that come from the north in early August and lay. Consequently, low to moderate numbers of hoppers and new adults will appear that could form small bands and swarms.

**Satellite images (cold cloud duration) for the three last dekads.**

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