FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report 10/96

MALI

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Area: 1 220 000 sq.km
Climate: From north to south: arid, semi-arid and tropical wet-dry; one rainy season: May-October
Population: 9.10 million (1995 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 250 (1994)
Specific characteristics of the country: Low-income food-deficit country; land-locked Sahelian country
Logistics: Roads inadequate during rainy season; river transport important; rail link to Dakar (Senegal)
Major foodcrops: Millet, sorghum, rice, maize
Marketing year: November/October; Lean season: July-September
Share of cereals in total calorie intake: 75 percent

CURRENT SITUATION

Crops are developing generally satisfactorily reflecting widespread and regular rains in August except in the centre north. Following abundant rains in late July in the west and the south, precipitation decreased in early August but remained widespread, reaching northern locations. During the second dekad, rains remained generally regular and well distributed except in the centre north which registered low or no rainfall. However, rains resumed in these areas during the third dekad providing relief to stressed crops. Millet and sorghum are generally elongating. Souna millet is maturing. Maize is maturing or being harvested. Rainfed rice is elongating while irrigated rice is tillering in the "Office du riz" zone near Mopti. Pastures are adequate.

Grain eating birds are reported in the Niafunke area. In late July, small Desert Locust swarms were present near Gao and hoppers were reported in the same area on 18-22 August. Elsewhere during the first half of August, low numbers of adults were reported in several northern areas. Breeding is likely to be in progress in some parts of the Adrar des Iforas with hoppers appearing during September.

Following two favourable harvests in succession, the overall food supply situation is satisfactory. On 13 June, the tax on imported rice was reduced, which decreased the average price of imported rice from 300 F.CFA to 270 F.CFA. Local rice is currently sold between 275 and 285 F.CFA. Prices of sorghum and maize have increased and markets are adequately supplied.

Nevertheless, some areas are facing difficulties following a poor harvest, notably in structurally deficit areas of the north. The national early warning system (SAP) indicated that the three arrondissements of Bamba, Bourem central and Téméra of Bourem circle in Gao region were facing food shortages. 4 065 tons of cereals from the National Security Stock financed by multilateral and bilateral donors will be distributed to about 64 500 people over seven months starting February/March 1996. Following food aid distributions, the food and nutritional situation of these populations has improved. In addition, risk of food shortages are reported in several arrondissements in Mopti and Kidal regions as well as in some arrondissements of Gao region. For the affected population of some 317 100 people in these areas, the early warning system recommended a total of 8 567 tons of food aid. The quantity was released from the National Security Stock and distributed from June to mid-August. Elsewhere, the food supply situation is reported to be satisfactory.

Assistance will also be necessary for the Tuaregs who have started to return from Mauritania in Kidal region in the camps of Annefis and Inabague. Some surplus coarse grains are available in the south and can be mobilized to cover food aid needs mentioned above. For the 1995/96 marketing year (November/October), the cereal import requirement is estimated at 105 000 tons and food aid requirement at 25 000 tons. The 6 500 tons pledged so far are expected to be delivered by the end of August.