Crop prospects improved following increased rains in September. Following mostly dry weather conditions on most producing islands in August, precipitation increased significantly on Santa Antao and Sao Nicolau islands during the first dekad of September, where above normal rains were registered. During the second and the third dekads, widespread rains were received on all producing islands. Maize crops which suffered water stress, notably in the semi-arid zones, have been recovering, improving harvest prospects.
A joint FAO/CILSS/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission is scheduled from 21 to 26 October to estimate the 2002 cereal production and assess the overall food supply situation.
