FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report No.2 - August 2002 p.51

  SENEGAL

CURRENT SITUATION

Following substantial early rains in the south-east in mid-May, precipitation covered the rest of the country in June. However, rains were erratic in most regions, decreased significantly in early July and the weather remained almost dry until the end of the month. Cumulative rainfall as of late July was below the same period last year and below average almost everywhere. The dry spell has resulted in crop failure in several regions, necessitating replantings and earlier planted crops are suffering water stress. Grain eating birds are reported on off-season rice in the Senegal River valley. Grasshopper infestations are also reported in the centre, while army worms are present in the centre and the south.

A sharp rise in cereal prices on all markets across the country has been reported, which makes access to food difficult. In early August, the “Conseil national de concertation et de cooperation des ruraux” a grouping of about 20 farmers organizations launched an appeal to the Government to help the rural population “threatened by the drought and the famine”. Cereal import requirements in 2001/02 (November/October) are forecast at 850 000 tonnes.

Following renewed fighting between government troops and rebels in the southern Senegalese Province of Casamance, at least 9 000 refugees have reportedly crossed into The Gambia in early-May. In early July, WFP distributed emergency food rations to 2 047 people, mostly women and children, who had settled in 25 villages along the border.

CEREAL SUPPLY/DEMAND BALANCE FOR THE 2001/02 MARKETING YEAR (in thousand tonnes)