| Area: | 192 000 sq.km |
| Climate: | Semi-arid in north, tropical wet-dry in south, with rains in June-October |
| Population: | 8.6 million (1995 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 730 (1993) |
| Specific characteristics of the country: | Low-income food-deficit country; coastal sahelian country |
| Logistics: | Port capacity adequate; gateway to Mali. |
| Major foodcrops: | Millet and sorghum, rice, maize, wheat |
| Marketing year: | November/October; Lean season: August-September |
| Share of cereals in total calorie intake: | 61 percent |
CURRENT SITUATION
A joint FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission in mid-October estimated aggregate cereal production at 1 109 000 tons, including rice in paddy equivalent. This 17 percent rise in production over last year’s harvest is mainly a result of favourable growing conditions for millet and sorghum. Total area planted was 4 percent lower than in 1994 but yields were significantly higher.
The 1995 season got off to a normal start with the first rains received in the extreme south east between 17 and 20 May, in the central southern and central northern areas between 22 and 23 June and in the south (Ziguinchor Region) between the 27 and 28 of June. Only in Tambacoundo was a late start recorded. Apart from some short-lived dry spells in the first decade of July and the second decade of August, particularly in northern and central areas, rainfall was generally abundant and well-distributed throughout July and August and up to the second decade of September favouring crop growth. As much of the rain fell at night, crops benefited from ample sunlight and warm temperatures. Cumulative rainfall in most areas was close to the 1961-1990 norm.
The water supply situation is satisfactory. River levels in 1995 have tended to be higher than the previous year’s, reaching the maximum level on the main water courses by September.
The good rains were also beneficial for pastures. Vegetative development has been strong especially in Ferlo where the vegetation index is much higher than last year, suggesting an increase in forage availability.
The pest situation remained generally calm. Low numbers of adult Desert Locusts were present in a few western regions during October and November.
The food supply situation is satisfactory. Prices started to decrease in mid September from the high levels reached at the beginning of the month. Markets are well supplied. Some assistance may be needed for the procurement of surplus coarse grains in the south for its mobilization to the traditionally deficit areas of the north. For the 1995/96 marketing year (November/October), the cereal import requirement is estimated at 695 000 tons, mostly rice and wheat, and the structural food aid requirement at 27 000 tons.
CEREAL SUPPLY/DEMAND BALANCE FOR THE 1995/96 MARKETING YEAR (in thousand tons)
| Wheat | Rice | Coarse grains | Total | |
| Normal production | - | 125 | 785 | 910 |
| Normal imports (incl. re-exports) | 195 | 420 | 90 | 705 |
| of which: Structural food aid | 5 | 15 | 8 | 28 |
| 1995/96 Production | - | 124 | 923 | 1 047 |
| 1995/96 Utilization | 200 | 539 | 1 003 | 1 742 |
| Food use | 197 | 527 | 818 | 1 542 |
| of which: local purchase requirement | - | - | 10 | 10 |
| Non-food use | 3 | 10 | 150 | 163 |
| Exports | - | 2 | - | 2 |
| 1995/96 Import Requirement | 200 | 415 | 80 | 695 |
| Anticipated commercial imports | 195 | 400 | 73 | 668 |
| Food aid needs | 5 | 15 | 7 | 27 |
| Current Aid Position | ||||
| Food aid pledges | 1 | - | - | 1 |
| of which: Delivered | - | - | - | - |
| Donor-financed local purchases | - | - | 1 | 1 |
| Estimated per caput consumption (kg/year) | 23 | 61 | 95 | 179 |
| Indexes | ||||
| 1995 production as % of normal: | 115 | |||
| 1995/96 import requirement as % of normal: | 99 | |||
| 1995/96 food aid requirement as % of normal: | 96 | |||