FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report No.2 - August 2002 p.43
| Area: | 1 025 520 sq km |
| Climate: | Mostly a Saharian country; semi-arid fringe in extreme south with rains in June-September |
| Population: | 2.80 million (2002 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: US$370 (2000) |
| Specific characteristics of the country: | Low-income food-deficit country; coastal country |
| Logistics: | Port capacity adequate, though storms during January-March sometimes cause difficulties |
| Major foodcrops: | Wheat, rice, millet and sorghum |
| Marketing year: | November/October; Lean season: July-September |
| Share of cereals in total calorie intake: | 54 percent |
The first significant rains received in June in Gorgol, Guidimakha, Hodh El Gharbi and Assaba permitted an early planting of coarse grains. However, precipitation decreased considerably and mostly dry weather persisted in July. Cumulative rainfall as of late July was below average in most meteorological stations. As a result, most rainfed crops plantings failed. Replantings are necessary but seed shortages are likely following the 2001 reduced harvest. Aerial and ground treatments against grain-eating birds are continuing in Trarza department where pest control teams have treated 2 897 hectares as of 30 July. No Desert Locust activity has been reported. However, low numbers of adults are likely to be present in the summer breeding areas of the two Hodhs where small-scale breeding could be in progress.
Seasonal droughts and the poor distribution of rainfall in the 2001/2002 growing season, combined with exceptionally strong rain and cold in mid-January, have created the risk of an unprecedented food crisis. Following release of final production estimates by national statistical services, the aggregate 2001 cereal production is estimated at some 122 177 tonnes, 32 percent lower than the previous year and 27 percent lower than average. Prices of cereals have risen considerably on most markets. In April, WFP approved an Emergency Operation for US$7.5 million (16 230 tonnes of food) and in mid-May, issued an urgent appeal for funds to help 250 000 people threatened by serious food shortages.
| Wheat | Rice | Coarse grains | Total | |
| Previous five years average production | - | 82 | 86 | 168 |
| Previous five years average imports | 245 | 59 | 9 | 313 |
| 2001/02 Domestic Availability | 28 | 39 | 64 | 132 |
| 2001 Production (rice in paddy terms) | 3 | 59 | 60 | 122 |
| 2001 Production (rice in milled terms) | 3 | 39 | 60 | 103 |
| Possible stock drawdown | 25 | - | 4 | 29 |
| 2001/02 Utilization | 248 | 124 | 92 | 465 |
| Food use | 213 | 108 | 82 | 404 |
| of which: local purchase requirement | - | - | - | - |
| Non-food use | 20 | 15 | 10 | 45 |
| Exports or re-exports | 15 | 1 | - | 16 |
| Possible stock build up | - | - | - | - |
| 2001/02 Import Requirement | 220 | 85 | 28 | 3331/ |
| Anticipated commercial imports | 200 | 70 | 26 | 296 |
| Food aid needs | 20 | 15 | 2 | 37 |
| Current Aid Position | ||||
| Food aid pledges | 10 | 11 | 2 | 23 |
| of which: delivered | 10 | 2 | 2 | 14 |
| Donor-financed purchases | - | - | - | - |
| of which: for local use | - | - | - | - |
| for export | - | - | - | - |
| Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/year) | 76 | 39 | 29 | 144 |
| Indexes | ||||
| 2001 Production as % of average: | 73 | |||
| 2001/02 Import requirement as % of average: | 106 |