FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report 10/96

BURKINA FASO

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Area: 274 000 sq.km
Climate: Tropical wet-dry in south, semi-arid in north; one rainy season: May-October
Population: 10.56 million (1995 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 300 (1994)
Specific characteristics of the country: Low-income food-deficit country; Sahelian land-locked country
Logistics: Roads inadequate during rainy season; adequate rail link to Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire)
Major foodcrops: Millet, sorghum, pulses, maize
Marketing year: November/October; Lean season: July-September
Share of cereals in total calorie intake: 73 percent

CURRENT SITUATION

Harvest prospects improved significantly following widespread and above-normal rains in August. Following a normal start of the season, rains were well below normal in mid and late June, severely affecting recently planted crops in several areas and thus necessitating substantial replantings. Precipitation resumed in July and became abundant and widespread in August, notably in the west in early August and in the east in mid to late August. On 12 and 16 August, significant rainfall crossed the entire country from west to east. Stages of development vary by region. Millet and sorghum are emerging/tillering in the north, tillering/elongating in the other regions. Maize is flowering/maturing in the west and rainfed rice is tillering. Pastures have regenerated well.

The pest situation remains calm. Grasshoppers are reported in several provinces of the north, the centre-north and the east, but areas needing treatment remain limited. An overall satisfactory crop could be gathered if rainfall remains adequate up to the second dekad of September.

Although 1995 cereal production remained about average, food supply difficulties are reported in some traditionally deficit areas affected by a poor crop. Cereal prices increased sharply in July following stock retention by farmers after poor rainfall in the early part of the season. Millet and sorghum became scarce in Ouagadougou markets, where prices doubled compared to last year. Following an international appeal for emergency assistance launched in December 1995 for 700 000 people in 17 provinces considered most at risk, donors have agreed to release 9 700 tons of cereals from the national security stock and committed to replenish it from local purchases following the next harvest. These cereals are being sold at a subsidized price of 60 F.CFA per kg in affected areas (against a consumer price usually ranging between 90 and 120 F.CFA in mid-May). In the other regions, markets are generally well supplied and cereal prices remain mostly stable. Tuareg refugees from Mali in the last five years (mainly since June 1994) are also currently receiving food assistance. UNHCR and WFP estimate their total number at 39 000, of which 33 000 are receiving food assistance in refugee camps. The cereal import requirement for the 1995/96 marketing year (November/October) is estimated at 140 000 tons and food aid requirements at 38 000 tons. As of mid-August, 35 000 tons have been pledged of which about 28 000 tons have been delivered so far.