FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report - August 1997

CHAD

CURRENT SITUATION

Plantings are progressing northwards following the establishment of the rains. The rainy season started in April in the south, rains progressed northwards in May, notably during the last dekad. First rains were received in the sahelian zone during the first dekad of June. In mid and late June, precipitation remained adequate in the sudanian zone but limited in the sahelian zone where first plantings failed or are drying. Replantings will be necessary and thus seed availability problems may appear. Precipitation became more widespread and regular in early July. Millet and sorghum are tillering in the sudanian zone. Land preparation and plantings are underway in the sahelian zone.

Grasshoppers are reported in Biltine and Moundou regions. Treatments have been undertaken in Biltine region. Low numbers of solitary Desert Locust adults may appear in some parts of B.E.T (Borkou-Ennedi-Tibesti) in the north and lay on a small scale with the onset of the seasonal rains.

Following a below average crop in 1996, the food supply situation remains tight in 1997, notably in the Sahelian zone where cereal prices are much higher than in previous years. In addition, the national security stock, which has a recommended level of 22 000 tons, is completely exhausted. The National Early Warning System (SAP) estimated the need of vulnerable populations in the Sahelian zone at 19 500 tons of cereals to be distributed during 6 months from March. The most affected populations are in Biltine prefecture which experienced drought for a second year and pest attacks but also in Batha and Kanem prefecture. The Government has sent sorghum to be sold at subsidized price in these Prefectures. Following an appeal for external assistance amounting to 50 000 tons of cereals launched by the government in December 1996, several donors confirmed or announced food aid contributions, either with imported cereals or from local purchases, notably in Salamat region. However, current pledges for imported food aid amount to about 41 000 tons and therefore do not cover the deficit. Additional contributions are required. Food aid distributions of 7 700 tons to 356 000 beneficiaries under a World Food Program emergency food operation started in June in Biltine and Kanem regions. As of 15 July, more than 3 300 tons of food has been distributed to 275 000 beneficiaries. An FAO/WFP project is also scheduled to provide assistance to the national food information and coordination unit (CASAGC) for the monitoring of the food supply situation and food aid contributions.