CONTENTS

• 1. OVERVIEW
• 2. CEREAL PRODUCTON IN 1997/98
• 2.1 Major factors affecting production in 1997
• 2.2 Cereal production forecast
• 2.3 Other crops and livestock
• 2.4 Crop situation by region
• 3. FOOD SUPPLY SITUATION
• 3.1 Supply/demand balance for 1996/97 and 1997/98
• 3.2 Deficit and surplus areas
• 3.3 Food aid requirements

An FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission visited Sudan from 15 November to 5 December 1997 to estimate sorghum and millet production from the current harvests and to make an early forecast of wheat production from areas now being planted. Based on these production estimates and forecasts and an assessment of carryover stocks, the Mission assessed the 1997/98 cereal situation, including national import requirements and food aid needs.

The Mission benefited from the full cooperation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), which also assigned two senior Ministry staff to accompany the Mission. Statistical data were also provided by the Ministry Headquarters in Khartoum. By dividing into three groups, the Mission was able to visit 23 of the 26 states, including the South, where, despite the difficulties of access, a special attempt was made to cover the region fully, in view of early reports of drought and crop failure in the region. Local information on the state of cereal crops was obtained from the State Ministries and from offices at provincial level. Good cooperation was also received from Sudan’s Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) and two staff accompanied the team in its field work. Detailed information packs (on rainfall, prices, populations, etc.) were prepared for the Mission by the local offices of both FAO and WFP, while NGOs working in particular regions also provided their own assessments and forecasts of the crop and food situation. The Mission had numerous and fruitful discussions with both farmers and traders; this grass-roots information was essential for cross-checking, verifying and modifying crop situation reports generated by official sources, and for interpreting remote sensing data provided by FAO, Rome.

The Mission forecasts total cereal production at 4.64 million tons in 1997/98 comprising 3.39 million tons of sorghum, 0.57 million tons of millet, 0.63 million tons of wheat (to be harvested in April 1998) and a relatively small amount of maize (0.05 million tons) mainly produced in the South. Compared with last year’s record harvest, total cereal production is down by 14 percent, with sorghum 20 percent lower, millet 27 percent higher and wheat 2 percent down. Production of all three cereals is above the five-year benchmark average of 1988/89-1992/93. Sorghum output is the third highest of the last five years and millet is the second highest (after the 1994/95 bumper year).

The total cereal output of 4.64 million tons will be less than the total cereal consumption requirement for 1997/98, after allowing for losses, seed and other uses. However, due to the exceptional sorghum crop last year and the national ban on sorghum exports during 1997, the carryover stocks at the end of October 1997 are at high levels, estimated by the Mission at 900 000 tons (mostly sorghum). Some drawdown of these stocks will be necessary to meet national food requirements.

The overall food outlook for 1997/98 is therefore favourable but in the South, North Darfur and North Kordofan food deficit problems will occur. The situation is most serious in the South where cereal production is estimated to be down by 45 percent on last year (excluding Renk). Eastern Equatoria, Lakes, Bahr El Jebel and Bahr El Ghazal are the most affected States, where the first season crop was lost due to the prolonged early drought. Some long season sorghum crops survived but yields will be low. Insecurity has again disrupted farming activities in Bahr el Ghazal and parts of Jonglei. Logistical problems and insecurity will also limit the amount of food which can be moved into the region (even from the Renk scheme in Upper Nile). The Mission estimates that some 60 to 70 per cent of the population in Eastern Equatoria, Bahr El Ghazal, Lakes, parts of Jonglei state and the transitional zones will need emergency food assistance for three to six months in 1998. It is estimated that 915 500 persons affected by a reduced harvest will require 30 000 tons of food commodities, to be supplied through WFP, Nairobi. In addition, 34 000 tons of relief food assistance will be required for 1.3 million displaced people in the South, transitional zone and Khartoum displaced camps.

In North Darfur, crop failure has occurred due to drought in Umm Keddada, Mellit and Kutum, and food shortages are already evident. Millet prices are high and livestock prices are falling. Even though millet production in North Darfur as a whole is better than last year, many people in these two provinces are unlikely to be able to purchase their food needs, and interventions will be necessary. The Mission estimates that 180 000 people will require 9 530 tons of emergency food assistance between April and September 1998 in North Darfur. A further 14 000 people affected by floods and civil conflict in southern Tokar may need 300 tons of food assistance for between three to six months.

The situation in North Kordofan also gives cause for concern. Production is better than last year but the State is still in deficit and the value of cash crops and livestock has fallen. In particular, the provinces of Sodari and Bara have suffered widespread crop failure and access to adequate food supplies will be difficult in the second half of the year. WFP, SCF-UK and CARE have a continuing food supply programme in North Kordofan.

The total area planted and harvested are similar to last year but yields are lower, mainly due to a dry spell in September which affected most of the country. In the South, the drought was earlier and longer, causing first season crops to fail and cereal production to be well down on 1996.

Sorghum plantings were affected by the economics of the crop as perceived by commercial farmers in July 1997. The record sorghum crop last year, coupled with a sluggish domestic demand due to tight monetary policies and a ban on sorghum exports, resulted in high stock levels and relative low prices at planting. The outlook for prices was generally considered to be poor in July 1997 because of the overhang of stocks and this proved to be the case, with prices remaining unusually static through the season right up to harvest in November 1997. In addition, input costs were rising (fuel, fertilizers) and the credit situation deteriorated. Rainfed sorghum producers reduced the areas planted from last year’s high levels (especially in Gedaref, Renk and Kordofan) and there were greater losses of areas between planting and harvest than in 1996. In Gedaref alone, plantings fell by an estimated 500 000 hectares and even in the traditional sector the planted area was reduced. The irrigated sorghum area was similar to last year.

The early rains were generally favourable and sorghum crops established well. Pest problems have been very limited this year, although nearer harvest, bird damage has been more severe in many areas. Striga has been serious in the drought-affected areas. The dry September has been a negative feature of most rainfed crops, being most severe in the areas from north of Gedaref through Butana, Sennar, Kosti, Umm Ruwaba, North Kordofan and North Darfur. Sorghum yields in these areas are well below average. Other areas also had dry spells in September but this was partly compensated by late rains in October and even early November; for example, sorghum yields in Damazin, Renk, SamSam and South Kordofan were all boosted by late precipitation. Overall, rainfed sorghum production is down by 24 percent from 1996. The irrigated sector is also down on last year (by 15 percent) but this is due to water delivery problems in Gezira, White Nile and Blue Nile. Expanded use of improved varieties in the irrigated schemes has benefited yields but financial problems in the privatized pump schemes have had a negative effect.

Total sorghum production is estimated at 3.39 million tons, down by nearly 20 percent from 1996 but is still well above the 1988/89-1992/93 average and close to the average for the past four years. The harvest is running slightly late compared with a year ago. Prices have been stable during the growing season and have not dipped significantly during harvest. Currently, sorghum is selling at Sudanese pounds (LS) 17 000-20 000/sack or close to the world price, although exports are still banned.

Millet production has, by contrast, increased from last year’s low levels. The rainfall pattern in the millet producing areas of the West has been significantly better than last year and pest damage is much less. The areas planted to millet increased by 22 percent over 1996, mainly due to improved early rains but also because millet prices were high and the stocks held by farmers were generally low, following two poor harvests. Land abandonment between planting and harvesting were less than last year and the total area harvested was some 30 percent higher. Yields of millet were seriously affected by the September drought in parts of North Darfur and North Kordofan and national average yields per harvested hectare were 10 percent lower than 1996. Millet production in total is therefore well up on last year (by 28 percent at 568 000 tons) due entirely to larger areas harvested. But there are still important local pockets where production is negligible and food deficits are likely. In Kutum, Umm Keddada and Mellit in North Darfur and in Sodari and Bara in North Kordofan, the millet crop has again failed and food and seed shortages will be severe. But, of perhaps more importance to the deficit millet areas, is the fact that prices for the cash crops and livestock are well down on last year. Poor domestic demand (as a result of the general recession) for groundnuts, sesame, kurkadeh and melon seed has led to low prices, and the weak export market for gum Arabic and for livestock has reduced prices for commodities usually sold by farmers in the West to replenish low food grain stocks. Although millet production is significantly higher than last year in all areas, there are still severe deficits and the terms of trade for millet purchases have become unfavourable. Current millet prices are LS 28 000 to LS 33 000 per sack.

For most of the Sudan, the main factor limiting yields this year was a widespread dry spell in September. In the northern parts of Darfur and Kordofan, the drought started in late August but in areas further south and east the dry spell was later and shorter. The central-east area of Kosti, Sennar, Butana and north Gedaref were particularly badly affected, and rainfed sorghum yields are down. Striga was also a problem in these areas and some crops also suffered bird damage at harvest. However, in other areas such as Renk, Damazin and South Kordofan, there were late rains in October and early November, which benefited drought-affected sorghum crops and improved yields.

Wheat prospects in the irrigated areas are good. The planted area in the north will increase as a result of attractive prices, adequate supplies of fuel and a major pump scheme rehabilitation programme initiated by government but partly financed by farmers. In the irrigation schemes of Gezira, Rahad and New Halfa, wheat plantings will be lower than last year as marginal areas are removed from wheat and switched to sorghum (13 000 hectares for Rahad alone), with a concentration on the better areas for wheat. The planting campaign for wheat is slightly behind schedule in most areas but there seems every prospect of planting and irrigating 300 000 hectares by 31 December 1997 - 6 percent lower than 1996/97. Seed, fertilizer and fuel supplies are in place and, provided the temperatures are at average levels, yield prospects for wheat are favourable. Bearing in mind that some of the marginal areas are now taken out of wheat production, yields are expected to be higher than last year, and production is forecast at 626 000 tons - similar to 1996/97 and some 21 percent above the 1988/89-1992/93 average. This, of course, is still well below national requirements and substantial imports will continue to be required.

Much government emphasis has been given in recent years to increasing wheat production in the Sudan in order to reduce import dependence, and this year again strenuous efforts were made to ensure the provision of adequate fuel, seed and fertilizer for the November-December planting season. Prices have also been fairly attractive and, in the north especially, farmers have been keen to expand. However, in the irrigation schemes of Rahad, Gezira and (to a lesser extent) New Halfa, plantings of wheat will be down. Water availability for winter wheat in Gezira was uncertain until late in the season when the Blue Nile rose due to late heavy rains in Ethiopia. The normal area for wheat was consequently reduced by 27 000 hectares in Gezira. In Rahad (which is less adopted for wheat but better for sorghum), there was a switch of 13 000 hectares out of wheat but with a concentration of the crop on the better suited areas. The pump schemes in North and Nile states have all increased wheat this year, mainly by expanding the area irrigated. All necessary inputs are in place and the wheat crop should benefit from an irrigation rehabilitation scheme which will improve pumping and delivery systems. Compared with last year, progress on wheat cultivation, planting and first irrigation is slightly later but the work should all be complete for the 300 000 hectare crop by the end of December. Given average winter temperatures, yields should be slightly higher than last year due to a greater use of improved varieties and an increased fertilizer use, plus a concentration on the better land in Rahad and Gezira. The Mission’s tentative forecast is for a crop of 626 000 tons, close to last year’s figure and well above the five-year base (1988/89-1992/93). At this level and after allowing for seed retention and waste, the domestic wheat crop would meet nearly 60 percent of national consumption needs.

Total cereal production for 1997/98 is forecast at 4.64 million tons (including 52 000 tons of maize, mainly from the South) or 14 percent less than last year’s record harvest, but 20 percent more than the average for the five-year base period (1988/89-1992/93). Table 1 shows the forecast production by State and sector with comparisons to the last year. Table 2 indicates areas and yields over a longer time period.

Despite reasonable food supplies overall, the situation in the South is already serious and will deteriorate rapidly. Excluding Renk (which normally supplies very little to the Southern Region), production in the South is 45 percent down on last year and severe shortages are occurring in Eastern Equatoria, Lakes, Bahr El Jebel and Bahr El Ghazal. In the west of the country, food shortages are already evident in North Darfur (especially the provinces of Umm Keddada, Kutum and Mellit) and in pockets of North Kordofan.
 

2.1 Major factors affecting production in 1997

2.1.1 Rainfall

Over much of the country the rainy season started well in April but, during the season, the precipitation varied greatly from place to place. In the South, well-established crops succumbed to drought from May onwards in Eastern Equatoria, Bahr El Ghazal, Bahr El Jebel and Lakes. First season crops in these States either failed or have produced poor yields. But in Upper Nile and Malakal, the situation was much better, with well-distributed rains leading to good yields, particularly in Renk.

In the centre of the country, rainfall has been abnormally low, with places like Sennar, Kosti and Rashad showing large reductions from normal. The north and north-west part of Gedaref state has been dry and areas to be harvested are well down on last year. In the west, rainfall amounts were significantly better than last year but a dry September has affected both millet and sorghum.

For a number of important producing areas (e.g. Damazin, Rank), late rains in October partly offset the crop damage caused by the long dry spell in September which was so widespread across the country.

NDVI images generally showed an improved season in Kordofan and Darfur compared with 1996, but a more patchy situation in the centre and east. The South is significantly worse than last year, especially in Eastern Equatoria.

2.1.2 Irrigation

The Gash flood scheme has been unusually productive this year because of heavy rains in south Eritrea. Large areas were flooded, and planted with sorghum (including 34 000 hectares of Gash Die, which produced nothing last year). On the other hand, the spate at Toker has been poor, although late rains are benefiting some of the late millet crop. Some water shortages were experienced in New Halfa and areas planted to sorghum were down from 1996 and from average, although sorghum yields are good.

The Blue Nile was unusually low in the summer but has since risen to normal levels and will be sufficient for the winter crop in Gezira and Rahad. In both cases, however, wheat areas are down, partly due to the earlier low river level at Sennar.

Water distribution has been a problem in Gezira for this year’s sorghum crop where 10 000 hectares were lost. Silting of canals and excessive weed growth are serious problems, exacerbated by the financial squeeze on Gezira resulting from the withdrawal of direct government support and a backlog of debts incurred by tenants.

Financial pressures are, however, more severe in the recently privatized pump schemes on the Blue and White Niles. Areas planted to sorghum were less, although good yield levels appear to have been obtained despite reduced levels of fertilizer and some problems with fuel and spare parts. The wheat area in the White Nile region is expected to be less for the coming season.

In the north, the low level of the Nile during summer limited the area planted to flood and "demira" crops of sorghum. For the winter crops (including the important wheat crop) fuel supplies for pumping appear to be adequate for an enlarged area.

2.1.3 Field conditions

Annual weed infestations have been low in most areas this year, except in North Kordofan where early favourable rains caused rapid weed growth which farmers were unable to control. However, striga is the most significant weed in Sudan and this year its effects have been greater than usual. It was particularly severe in areas of the South around Juba and Wau (where farmers are forced to continually crop land near urban areas) and in the rainfed sorghum areas of the centre and east of the country. Mesquite is an ongoing weed problem in Tokar and Gash where significant areas are lost each year due to colonisation of the cropping areas.

2.1.4 Pests and diseases

This year has been one of the freest years for pests and diseases. There was little damage to crops at the seedling stage and even stem borer appears to have been less serious than usual. Crops of millet in the west have suffered damage from grasshoppers and millet headworm late in the season. Bird damage to sorghum prior to harvest has been more widely reported than normal. Sorghum midge has been a risk to some late crops but nearly all the sorghum is now past the vulnerable stage.

2.1.5 Input supplies

There has been even heavier use of fertilizers and improved varieties this year, particularly in the irrigation schemes but also in the higher rainfall mechanized areas such as Damazin. Heavy use of inputs and better crop management is becoming a more common feature of commercial agriculture and crop yields are responding.

Supplies of fuel and spare parts have been satisfactory except where financial constraints have limited purchases such as in the larger private pump schemes in Blue Nile and White Nile.

2.1.6 Yields

Average crop yields are lower than 1996 in most cases, although differences in production are largely due to changes in the areas harvested. Reductions in irrigated yields are mostly the result of constraints on water delivery rather than less use of fertilizers and improved seed. Rainfed, mechanized sorghum yields are significantly down on last year, especially in Gedaref, Sennar and White Nile, where long dry spells were experienced. Other mechanized areas, which benefited from late rains, have shown an increase in yield, notably Damazin, Renk and Dilling.

Millet yields are slightly down on last year; the increased production this year has come from a larger area harvested.

Wheat yields are expected to be favourable in view of the inputs used and the availability of irrigation water. However, the outturn for wheat will heavily depend on temperatures between now and March 1998.

2.2 Cereal production forecast

As in earlier years, there will again be a need to move cereals from the east or centre of the country to the west where considerable deficits will occur. The cost of transporting cereals is extremely high, especially when account is taken of the taxes levied on grain in transit. This will result in higher prices in the west and other deficit areas.

2.3 Other crops and livestock

Cotton is the most important cash crop in Sudan and the returns achieved during 1997 were poor - partly a production effect but also due to low prices for exported lint. In addition, cotton-growing farmers are under pressure to repay arrears to the irrigation schemes for costs incurred in cotton production, thus exacerbating the financial constraints faced by commercial farmers in the irrigated sector.

Livestock, on the whole, are in relatively good condition and grazings are fair. Exceptions are in those areas where the September drought was most severe, for example in Butana and Umm Rawaba. There appear to be no unusual animal health problems this year.

2.4 Crop situation by region

Sudan is sub-divided into 26 states, 23 of which were visited by the Mission. Table 3 groups these states into six main regions and presents crop production data for the last five years and compares them with a 5-year base average. Table 6 shows cereal production by region and includes a calculation of regional consumption and an estimate of the surplus or deficit (excluding any consideration of inter-regional trade, imports or the stock situation).
 

2.4.1 The South

Southern Sudan is divided into three regions and ten states as shown below:
 

Table 4 shows production breakdown by State for the three regions of Southern Sudan.

Eastern Equatoria

Poor rainfall in Eastern Equatoria has caused the most severe crop losses in years. Production of sorghum and maize is estimated at 18 000 tons, compared to 39 600 tons in 1996/97, a decrease of 54 percent.

The rains started in April and farmers planted crops of sorghum and maize and then the rains stopped in most areas in early May, with the result that the crops failed. For the sorghum crops which survived, the ratoon crop has been satisfactory in some areas such as Lafon. Sandy soil areas such as Kimotong suffered most from the drought. Residents of the Boma area to the north of the state were reported to be suffering from starvation, with a number of hunger-related deaths reported in November, 1997. However, the poor roads and the unseasonal rains now affecting Boma have prevented help and supplies of food from arriving.

Crops planted in the Kapoeta area were reported to have been a total failure. The Taposa agro-pastoralists in Kapoeta have begun selling cattle in Kenya in order to buy grain. A major air-drop of food for the Kapoeta area is planned for late November and early December.

In the Didinga Hills along the Uganda border, the rains also failed and large numbers of Didinga people have gone to find food in New Cush Camp. This is unprecedented, as the Didinga Hills are normally a very good farming area. In Chukudum, another area which normally produces a surplus, the drought killed off the main crops, leaving many people without food.

Further west in Nimule and south of Torit, rainfall was very erratic with some areas receiving enough rain for normal cropping but others receiving little or no rain and so suffering total crop failure. It is estimated that only 50 percent of the normal crop was obtained in Nimule, normally a self sufficient area.

In Torit, the provincial town of Imatong Province, the rains started as normal in March and continued until the second dekad of May, after which no further rain fell, with the exception of one day in July, until late September. Heavy rains fell in October, too late to be of use to crops. As a result, crop production is estimated at only half the amount of the previous year, itself regarded as a poor season. Insecurity for the estimated 10 000 residents of the town has reduced the areas planted by farmers. Bird damage to sorghum crops was also severe in 1997. Full food rations and seed supplies will be needed for Torit from January, 1998, to enable farmers to cultivate their land.

In Lafon, the first crop was also a failure, but ratoon sorghum crops were better than expected. In Lopit, total crop failure was reported and many people were on the move south, looking for food.
 

Jonglei

The rains in the southern parts of Jonglei followed the same pattern as in Eastern Equatoria, causing the total loss of many first crops of sorghum and maize. Production is estimated to have dropped by 45 percent, compared to the previous year.

In Paluer area, of South Bor District, the first short term sorghum crop failed totally and only a fraction of the long term sorghum will produce a crop. Some of the ratoon sorghum has survived, but heavy rains at flowering reduced seed set. Also, the low plant populations in fields, allied to heavy infestations of stalk borer, combined to reduce yields. Some maize crops grown near the river around Yomciir, north of Bor, did survive the dry conditions and will produce reduced yields. Sorghum crops in this area were badly affected by the drought and by bird damage.

In Panyagor area of North Bor, fishing is now a very important source of food, together with wild foods such as water lily seed, desert date and wild rice. Good rains were received to assist planting of groundnuts in September.

Harvesting of maize and sorghum crops was progressing in Akobo area in November, with over half the households expected to harvest between 300-500 kg of grain, considerably less than in the previous year. Poor households may have to resort to greater usage of wild foods. This area, following some years of conflict, is now at peace. Trading opportunities with Nasir have also improved.

In Pibor, after a promising start in April, the rains failed completely, causing widespread crop losses. Although this area has many cattle, the loss of crops is a heavy blow in an area which also suffered heavy crop losses, through flooding, in 1996.

Insecurity in the Ayod and Yuai area along the Duk Ridge reduced or prevented crop production in this potentially productive area.

Western Equatoria

Western Equatoria is normally a very high producing area, having ample rainfall in normal years. Home produced crops form a higher proportion (80 percent) of the diet of the people in Western Equatoria than in any other state. In 1997, the early drought destroyed many short term sorghum crops in Maridi and second crops are were affected by heavy rains at flowering which is expected to reduce yields. However, farmers in Yambio and Maridi also grow cassava and sweet potato which have been less affected by the drought in May and June.

As a result of the unfavourable weather, maize and sorghum production declined from 70 400 tons to 39 000 tons, a decrease of 45 percent on the previous year.

In Mundri, the rains came on time and farmers planted as usual in April. There was then a dry period until August and this killed off almost all short season sorghum and groundnut crops. Cassava, which is an important secondary crop in parts of Mundri, was not replanted after being harvested by insurgent groups and this will significantly reduce food security in this area.

In Yambio and Tambura, where an estimated 14 000 returnees from the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have returned, an outbreak of trypanosomiasis is reported to be causing high morbidity, with some villages having 30 percent of the population affected. Treatment of this debilitating disease is long and difficult and its incidence reduced the ability of farmers to tend crops.

Bahr El Jebel

The 1997 crop year has been a disaster in Juba area, again due to the long dry period that followed good planting rains in April and which lasted in some areas until late September. Crops planted in April germinated well and then died from the effects of the extended drought. A few plots of long term sorghum survived but they have been so badly affected by Striga and by poor fertility of the worked-out soils that they are expected to produce less than 100kg/ha.

The 1997 maize and sorghum harvest is estimated at 13 000 tons, a decline of 47 percent on the previous year. The decline would have been greater but for the fact that Yei and Kajo Keji areas received better distributed rainfall than the Juba area.

Maize is grown as a second crop in islands in the Nile and along the river bank north of Juba. In 1997, the water level was at its lowest level for many years in August and farmers planted maize. The high rainfall in September and October raised water levels very suddenly and the crops planted on low lying land were inundated by this late flood and destroyed.

Insecurity was a major problem in the Juba area during planting. One large NGO could only achieve just under 10 percent of its intended aim of ploughing more than 1 000 hectares, due to the need to obtain security clearances each day before proceeding to the fields. One plough was destroyed and the tractor driver injured when the plough struck a land-mine. Delays in the delivery of fuel and spares also affected ploughing operations. In the event, all 120 hectares of crops grown were a total failure due to drought.

Groundnuts failed in most cases and those plants which survived only few had full kernels. Some farmers planted groundnuts later than usual, due to late seed deliveries, but they had a better than expected crop thanks to rains which began, just in time, in late September and carried on until harvest.

Other crops such as cowpea and green gram were very badly infested with pests including blister beetle, Bruchids, aphids and various fungal diseases and as a result will only produce a very meagre yield.

The residents of Juba have few options to ensure food security until the next harvest in July, 1998. The main cash-raising enterprises are selling firewood, charcoal, building poles and dried grass for thatching. This latter activity, which is normally carried out in the January to March period, is threatened by late rains which prolong the life of the grass, making it unsuitable as a roofing material. Restrictions on movements outside the city also prevent families from undertaking some of their normal coping strategies.

Farmers in Terekeka who have large numbers of cattle are reported to be selling stock at very low barter rates of one bull for one 90kg sack of sorghum. Crop production in Yei and Kajo Keji in the Green Belt Food Economy zone is much better, though early crops also suffered from drought. Insecurity caused by tribal raiding and sporadic encounters between SPLA and GOS forces also hampered food production.

Prices for sorghum in Juba market, at LS 45 000 per sack, are lower than one would expect, given the poor harvest. The recent arrival of a barge from the North carrying stocks of 1996 sorghum which merchants must clear, even at relatively low prices, before taking in the 1997 crop, is the reason for the relatively low prices compared to Wau. Sorghum was selling in late November for LS 45 000, compared to over LS 80 000 per sack before the arrival of the barge. Virtually no local sorghum or maize from the 1997 harvest was for sale in late November. It is expected that prices will soon climb when the stocks delivered by barge have been consumed.

A major cause of concern is the availability of food for the first six months of 1998 and for seed for planting. Few farmers will have any seed left following this harvest and food reserves are nil. There is an urgent need for an adequate supply of food to be available in March/April, 1998, to enable farmers to cultivate their land.

El Buheirat (Lakes State)

Lakes State is an important crop and livestock producing and trading area. The rains began in April in Tonj but stopped after two weeks. Crops germinated and then withered from drought. The dry period continued up to June, by which time all early sown crops had been lost. No seed was then available to replant when the rains began again in late June.

As a result of the poor first season rains and also poorly distributed rains later in the season, sorghum production is estimated at only 17 000 tons, compared to 36 700 tons in 1996. Maize production also dropped from 14 000 tons to just over 5 200 tons. The dry period in May and June also affected areas south of Tonj including Akot and Billing. This dry period extended right up to the end of the season in many areas , leaving crops destroyed but also reducing the availability of grazing for the many animals in the state. This is a very serious development as cattle provide up to half the food requirement of families in Lakes State.

In Rumbek, cassava and wild foods are important food sources. Insecurity has also been a major problem in Tonj, caused by the three separate forces active in this area. Many farmers were displaced and it is estimated that food production in many areas of Lakes State will only be 40 percent of normal. Large numbers of people displaced from Gogrial, Wau, Akop and Luanjang will add substantially to food demand and kinship support mechanisms in Lakes State and plans have already been made to provide emergency food assistance from January to April, 1998, prior to the next planting season.

Unity

Unity State includes the town of Bentiu, Mayom, Nhialdiu, Duar, Koch, Leer and Pariang. Maize and sorghum are the main crops, with the latter being subject to bird damage. Cowpeas and groundnuts are also important crops in a normal year. Production per household is sharply reduced in 1997 due to the dry period which occurred in May and June. In Pariang, insecurity has reduced the opportunities for people to collect wild foods, an important food source. Crops in Leer and Nialdhiu were badly hit by irregular rainfall and only 1-3 sacks are expected to be harvested in November/December, compared to the self sufficiency point of 3 -4 sacks per household. The 1996 harvest was also poor in this area, and this second bad harvest in a row has hit the poorer sections of the community especially hard.

Sorghum and maize production declined by an estimated 21 percent to 10 000 tons compared to the previous year.

Cattle are important in this area, with milk being a major source of food. No major cattle diseases were reported.

Warrab

As a result of poor planting rains, a premature end to the rainy season in Gogrial and other areas and widespread insecurity and displacement of farmers, production of sorghum and maize in Warrap State declined from 22 700 tons in 1996 to 12 000 tons this year.

Gogrial, the main town in Warrab, is surrounded by opposition forces. As a result, residents have very little land to cultivate and the crops planted in 1997 failed totally due to drought. They now have only household gardens and livestock with which to survive the coming dry season. Insecurity also prevents them from indulging in other coping strategies such as gathering firewood, making charcoal or collecting thatching grass.

Further out from Gogrial, farmers could not plant their normal areas of land due to persistent insecurity caused by up to six independent militias and armed groups in the area.

The rain ceased in Gogrial in August, much earlier than usual and this adversely affected long season crops of sorghum.

Western Bahr El Ghazal

The town of Wau also suffered the effects of the drought in May and June and most sorghum crops will only produce a fraction of their potential. This crop season is estimated to be the worst for the past five years. Production of sorghum and maize declined by 38 percent compared to the previous year to an estimated 13 000 tons.

Fortunately, cassava and sweet potato are grown around Wau and in Raga and these crops were relatively unaffected by the drought. They provide the main food for the people of Wau from July to January, after which severe food shortages can be predicted. Raga province is not much affected by insecurity, has had a generally good rainfall in 1997 and this district will provide surplus production for sale in Wau during the dry season when the road becomes passable.

Insecurity in the eastern areas of the province has prevented normal farming activities and has resulted in much reduced cropped areas.

Pests and diseases were of secondary importance to drought this year, though Striga is a major problem in the hinterland of Wau, where sorghum has been grown continuously for many years.

Prices of cereals in the Wau market were very high in late November. Sorghum was selling for LS 72 000 per sack, while the salary of a labourer for one month is LS 15 000. These high prices reflect the fact that Wau is cut off from its hinterland, itself also very short of sorghum.

Northern Bahr El Ghazal

The continuing conflict in Northern Bahr el Ghazal has devastated this state, to such an extent that people there are comparing 1997 to 1988, the worst year of hardship and famine which led to the establishment of Operation Lifeline Sudan. Incessant looting and cattle raiding has prevented normal agriculture and caused large scale displacement of people, southwards towards Tonj in Lakes State, itself an area which has been devastated by the poor crop season. Cattle movements are highly restricted as is access to water points. Wild food resources are also inaccessible in many areas.

Northern Bahr El Ghazal had a poor season in 1996 but sorghum and maize production is estimated to have declined by a further 26 percent from an already low base of 13 500 tons to 10 000 tons.

The normal rainy season begins in late March/early April, reaching a peak in August and ends in October/November. This year, rains were higher than normal up to June with long dry spells in July and August, followed by high rainfall again in October. The drought in July prevented the normal planting of groundnuts in Aweil. Due also to the drought, an estimated 80 percent of the 700 ha of rice grown at the Aweil Rice Scheme was lost.

A serious millipede outbreak in Ariath was reported to have caused more serious crop damage than the dry weather. Green grasshoppers also have caused damage to crops in Northern Bahr El Ghazal. No pesticides are available to minimise the damage being done to crops by these pests. Monkeys also caused serious crop damage in the Aweil area.

Upper Nile

Upper Nile State includes the mechanized farming areas of Renk, Wadakona/Fashoda, Melut, Gelhak and Malakal as well as large traditional crop areas along the Nile and Sobat rivers. Rainfall in the main mechanized areas was only about 60 percent the 1996 level but it was almost perfectly distributed to provide ideal growing conditions for the sorghum crop. As a result, yields in Renk more than doubled from 377 kg/ha in 1996 to 896 kg/ha in 1997. Some farmers in Melut were reported to have obtained yields of over 3 tons/ha from rainfed sorghum. The areas planted to mechanized sorghum increased by 83 percent in Melut, Gelhak and Malakal, compared to the previous year, due to a concerted effort by Government to provide inputs in time.

Production of mechanized sorghum increased substantially from 85 500 tons to 152 400 tons, due mainly to better yields. The harvested area of sorghum in the mechanized areas of Renk dropped by some 22 percent from 239 400 hectares in 1996 to 186 600 ha this year. This was mainly due to poor prices following last year’s generally good harvest and to the perceived presence of large stocks of sorghum overhanging the market.

Input costs have risen sharply since 1996: for example diesel oil has increased by 63 percent, from 65 000 to 106 000 Sudanese pounds a drum. Prices meanwhile are 6 percent lower this year than in the previous year at about 17 000 Sudanese pounds per 90kg sack or approximately U.S.$ 107 per ton. However, the high yields obtained this year will help farmers to make some profit this year, assuming the present price holds firm.

The area under millet is similar to last year at 3 400 ha. Farmers are unlikely to increase millet plantings in view of the low prices offered for this crop.

Pests and diseases were not a serious problem in the mechanised areas, though the widespread presence of Striga causes a serious yield loss, which could be mitigated by using a better crop rotation. Striga is not such a serious problem in the traditional areas of southern and western Upper Nile.

Reduced availability of credit for harvesting may result in some crops being harvested later than recommended and this will tend to reduce potential yields in Renk. Harvesting had only just begun at the time of the Mission’s visit and some sorghum crops were beyond the recommended harvest time.

In the Traditional areas of Nagdiar, Maiwut, Chotbora, Nasir and along the Sobat River, crops were adversely affected by the failure of the rains in May and June and farmers who only planted one crop in April/May lost that crop. An estimated 25 percent of farmers will harvest some grain from ratooned sorghum crops. In the traditional areas, production of sorghum and maize is estimated at 20 000 tons, a decline of 38 percent compared to the previous year. Late crops grown in receding water along the rivers may be better than usual this year due to higher than average water levels which are the result of late rains.

Western Upper Nile has a high cattle population and no major cattle disease problems were reported. The area is relatively peaceful and access to grazing is unrestricted.
 

2.4.2 Eastern Region

This region includes the states of Red Sea and Kassala and Gedaref (Sudan’s largest surplus state, accounting for a quarter of national sorghum production). The spate irrigation schemes of Tokar and Gash, and the New Halfa scheme are included in the region, together with 55 percent of the Rahad irrigation scheme. The surplus grain from Eastern region is largely shipped to Khartoum and, when production allows, for export from Gedaref via Port Sudan.

In total, production is down by 28 percent from 1996/97, mainly due to a sharp reduction in sorghum from last year’s record crop. The sorghum area planted in the large mechanized schemes was reduced, partly because of low prices and high costs, and all rainfed crops were seriously affected by the dry period in September.

The season started well in most of the east, with typical rainfall amounts of 100 mm in June, 160 mm in July and 200-300 mm in August. August was also favourable in most of the mechanized schemes with 191 mm in Gedaref, 364 mm in SamSam and 210 mm in Umm Seinat. But the dry period began in August in Hawata (65 mm in August) and in Gadam Bilia (109 mm). Long dry periods in September are evident from the records: only 30-90 mm of rain in the north and west of Gedaref (followed by little significant rain in October), although more than 100 mm was recorded in September in the South and south-eastern areas (110 mm in SamSam, 129 mm in Umm Seinat) plus small amounts in October.

Total seasonal rainfall appears favourable (Gedaref 625 mm) but the dry September significantly reduced yields of both sorghum and sesame. In the large Gedaref scheme as a whole, production was down 48 percent from last year (a loss of 555 000 tons alone), despite excellent crops in SamSam. In Kassala, mechanized sorghum production increased to 175 000 tons from a very low base in 1996.

Pests and diseases were minimal but striga continues to be an important yield-reducing weed in the mechanized schemes and its effect was more marked this year. Sorghum midge is a risk for late rainfed crops but the Mission felt that most crops were now beyond the susceptible stage and incidences were light.

The harvest of rainfed crops is proceeding well, with no shortages of fuel or labour, and an adequate stock of tractors and combines. The sesame harvest was virtually finished at late November (with a disappointing outturn) and the sorghum harvest was well on. The results of a MAF harvest survey will provide more information on the Gedaref scheme later this year, and some revisions to the Mission’s forecasts may be necessary.

The other important feature of the Gedaref cereal situation is the high level of storage of last year’s bumper crop. Up to one third of last year’s sorghum from Eastern region is now stored in Gedaref and environs - 100 000 tons in the silos (ex ABS salam repayments held as a government strategic reserve), 250 000 tons in covered storage in the city (owned by large traders), 30 000 tons by other banks (repaid loans) and other quantities held by secondary and tertiary traders and retailers, plus some on-farm storage. Much of this quantity has been held in the expectation of a lifting of the export ban, and prices reflect world levels and the cost of shipping. The government has held firm on the ban, but some exports may be permitted once the harvest is secure and known. Space for safe storage will be at a premium from April 1998 and there will be a need to cash stocks to finance next year’s plantings.

The Eastern region also includes the irrigated schemes in Red Sea (Tokar), Kassala (Gash and New Halfa) and 55 percent of the Rahad scheme.

Tokar has been disappointing, with a poor flood this year, but Gash (by contrast) has been excellent with the best flood for several years, including Gash Die which has produced for the first time in recent years. Total sorghum production from Gash will double this year, to 51 000 tons. New Halfa is expected to produce 46 000 tons of sorghum this year; the small increase is due mainly to a 90 percent planting with improved varieties which will offset reduced fertilizer use. Wheat production will fall to 27 000 tons due to a reduced area planted this year. The New Halfa scheme is suffering (like some other irrigation schemes) from a liquidity crisis due to the sudden institution of financial autonomy. This has an effect on credit for inputs and cash for scheme maintenance works. On the other hand, some 12 000 tons of cereals in New Halfa have been held over from 1996.

Rahad will produce a record sorghum output, mainly due to 13 000 hectares being diverted from wheat production to sorghum this year. Yields are good overall in Rahad, although there is some doubt about the final production of sorghum from the late planted crops (still green at mid-November). Total Rahad sorghum production should be up by 35 percent on last year, but there will be a compensating fall in wheat output because of the reduced area planted. Wheat yields in Rahad will be high (because of the elimination of the marginal areas) but production will be half of last year’s, at only 10 000 tons.
 

2.4.3 Central Region

The Central Region usually produces about half of the national sorghum crop and includes the provinces of Blue Nile, White Nile, Gezira and Sennar and the Suki Irrigation Scheme, part of the Rahad Irrigation Scheme and large mechanized rainfed areas in Damazin, the Singa area and Kosti.

Total cereal production in the region is forecast to be 26 percent lower than last year due to reduced plantings and yields of sorghum, and a reduced area of wheat.

Total rainfall amounts at ,most stations were below normal: at Ed Duiem 150 mm (normal 220 mm), Wad Medani 292 mm (289), Sennar 212 mm (415), Kosti (267mm (315). At Khartoum, the rainfall was average at 136 mm.

Although the early part of the season was satisfactory, dry spells in late August and September had a major effect on both mechanized and traditional rainfed sorghum. The drought was particularly severe in the rainfed areas of Gezira, Sennar and White Nile and large areas of traditional sorghum in Butana, the east side of the White Nile and around Sennar were abandoned.

There were better crops in the south of the region, where the dry spell in September was shorter and some late rains in October allowed crop recovery. For example, rainfall in Abu Naama was 548 mm, Singha 585 mm and Damazin 576 mm - all fairly close to normal. The mechanized scheme at Damazin has produced good sorghum crops, with yields and production (227 000 tons) above last year’s levels. But overall, rainfed sorghum in Central region is down by 450 000 tons or 45 percent lower than last year+s heavy crop.

The irrigated sorghum crop in Central region, on the other hand, is similar to last year at nearly 700 000 tons. The Gezira planted area was reduc