NIGER
Crops have been affected by reduced precipitation or dry weather in early or mid-July but growing conditions improved in late July. Following generally above-normal rains up to mid-June, precipitation decreased in late June and remained limited during the first two dekads of July, notably during the second, which registered particularly low rains or dry weather in many areas. Therefore, cumulative rainfall, which was generally above normal as of 20 June, became below normal in several meteorological stations, notably in the centre-east, in Maradi and Zinder Departments. However, the last dekad registered abundant rains over most producing areas which will benefit crops stressed by earlier drier conditions. Flooding is reported in Dosso and Tahoua department. Reduced rains in early August may again affect crops notably in the centre and the east. Millet and sorghum are generally emerging/tillering, but plantings are still underway in some villages of Diffa and Zinder departments in the east and Tillabery department in the north-west. Pastures are regenerating satisfactorily.
Grasshopper infestations are reported in several areas in Diffa, Dosso, Maradi, Tillabery and Zinder departments. Grain-eating birds have been seen near N’Guigmi, in Diffa department in mid-July, while some insects attacked millet in Dosso and Gaya arrondissments. Rodents are also reported in Maradi department. Desert Locusts have been reported by recent surveys in Aïr and Tamesna. Some of these may already be breeding, while others are expected to continue to mature and lay. Current infestations are likely to be augmented by adults that come from the north in early August and lay. Consequently, hoppers and new adults will appear that could form small bands and swarms.
