Africa report

CAPE VERDE

CURRENT SITUATION

The season began prematurely, with the first rains falling on Fogo Island during the first decade of July and in Santiago and Brava Islands during the second decade. Following a pause in the rains in almost all islands at the end of July, rainfall recommenced at the beginning of August, especially in the southern islands, spreading in mid-August except in the arid zones of Santiago. Sufficient rains for planting were received one month after the normal planting date in the northern islands of Santo Antao and Sao Nicolau. In September rains were generally light except in the northern islands and the mountainous areas of the south. In the arid, semi-arid and coastal zones, low rainfall combined with high temperatures hit crops at the flowering stage causing some losses. In general, rains were well distributed over time and space in the humid and semi-humid areas of the south. (Santiago, Fogo and Brava) and poorly distributed in the other islands and arid areas of the south. The first rains in July benefited the germination of dry planted maize. Wet planting of maize and haricot beans was not possible until mid August. These crops displayed good vegetative growth in the humid zones where water availability was sufficient and harvest prospects are quite good. In contrast, in the arid zones, less favourable rainfall, particularly in September hit crops at the reproductive stage and could lead to reduced yields. In most of the country the pest situation was relatively calm. However, pest attacks, particularly of the Senegalese grasshopper, were recorded in most of the southern island in July. Infestations were also recorded in the northern islands in August and September, notably in Santo Antao. The cricket situation was not of particular concern except in Fogo and Brava Islands where, despite control measures, bean yields were adversely affected. The development of biomass was relatively prompt and uniform throughout the agro-ecological zones. Forage production is expected to increase this year in the Islands of Santiago, Brava and Fogo. Elsewhere production will be negligible, except in humid zones where banana and cassava by products will go some way to meeting livestock feed demand.

An FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission in mid-October estimated total 1995 cereal production at some 9 000 tons, three times the reduced crop of 1994 and close to the average for the past five years.

The overall food supply situation is satisfactory. Markets are well supplied but prices are generally slightly higher than last year during the same period. For 1995, the cereal import requirement is estimated at 90 000 tons, most of which is in the form of food aid.

CEREAL SUPPLY/DEMAND BALANCE FOR THE 1995 MARKETING YEAR (in thousand tons)