FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report 05/97

NIGER

CURRENT SITUATION

Seasonably dry conditions prevail. A joint FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission last year, estimated 1996 aggregate cereal production at 2 325 000 tons. This is 10 percent more than in 1995 and 4 percent above the average of the last five years. The final estimates of 1996 production will be published shortly. Isolated Desert Locust adults may be present and will persist in a few areas of central Tamesna and perhaps in Aïr.

Despite this above-average harvest, the food supply situation is anticipated to be tight in several areas which gathered poor crops, some for the second successive year. The National Early Warning System (SAPR) estimates that the nine arrondissements of Ouallam, Tahoua, Tanout, Tchintabaraden, N’Guigmi, Arlit, Tchirozerine, Bilma and Agadez commune are particularly vulnerable. Twenty four other arrondissements are also classified as moderately vulnerable and need to be monitored closely. The situation is particularly worrisome in Tanout area, in Zinder department, where substantial population movements have been reported. Cereal prices are much higher than last year at the same period and cereals are sometimes scarce on the markets. Imports from northern Nigeria are also lower than usual due to limited cereal availibility.

In late February, an assessment mission visited the vulnerable areas of Maradi, Tanout and Zinder departments and confirmed the tight food supply and nutritional situation. Migrations of entire families have increased. Remaining families are consuming wild food and selling small livestock or borrowing against future harvest. The situation varies greatly in the villages but assistance is most urgently needed in the arrondissement of Tanout and neighbouring areas of Dakoro arrondissement. Some assistance will also be needed in urban areas where migrants from affected areas have concentrated, notably in Zinder. In addition, the national security stock is at a very low level. Only limited quantities could be bought to local traders following a bid launched in October for the partial reconstitution of the stock. In December, the government launched an appeal for external assistance amounting to 118 000 tons of cereals. Food aid distributions or food for work activities have started in several arrondissements. As of mid-April, around 40 000 tons of cereals have been pledged by various donors through local purchases, purchases in neighbouring countries or imported food aid.