FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report 10/96

NIGER

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Area: 1 267 000 sq.km
Climate: Northern part arid, southern part semi-arid with rains in June-October
Population: 9.49 million (1995 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 230 (1994)
Specific characteristics of the country: Low-income food-deficit country; land-locked Sahelian country
Logistics: Roads inadequate during rainy season
Major foodcrops: Millet and sorghum, pulses, roots and tubers
Marketing year: November/October; Lean season: July-September
Share of cereals in total calorie intake: 70 percent

CURRENT SITUATION

Crop condition improved following good rains in mid and late August. Following a significant reduction of the rains in mid-July, precipitation improved in late July but again decreased in early August. However, the second and third dekads received good rainfall over the main producing areas, with widespread and generally regular rains, notably in the extreme south and the west during the second dekad. Therefore, crop conditions improved. Millet and sorghum are reaching heading stage in most departments. However, dry spells and irregular or very limited rains earlier in the season have stressed crops in several areas and affected yield potential and may have already caused crop failures. Overall, crop prospects are generally favourable in Dosso, Tahoua departments and around Niamey. They remain uncertain in Diffa, Maradi, Tillabery and Zinder departments.

Grasshoppers are reported in all departments, but notably in Maradi. Treatments covering more than 15 000 hectares have been undertaken during the first two dekads of August. During surveys undertaken from mid-July to early August in the western side of the Aïr Mountains and Tamesna, some scattered Desert Locust adults were found. Limited breeding occurred. Infestations declined during the second half of August. Further south, isolated and scattered adults were observed near Diffa, Filingué and Tillabery. Unless further rainfall occurs, infestations are expected to remain small and limited.

Following two successive above-average harvests in 1994 and 1995, the food supply situation is satisfactory at national level but risk of food shortages remain in structurally deficit areas, notably in Diffa, Agadez and Tillabery departments. Prices of cereals have increased significantly in recent months. In January, the Government launched an appeal for external assistance. The "Network for the Prevention of Food Crises in the Sahel" of the Club du Sahel (OECD) organized a meeting in late April to review the situation on the basis of recent assessments and final production figures and launched an appeal to the donor community, estimating emergency needs at 50 000 tons of cereals. Part of this amount can be drawn from the national security stock, provided donors assist with replenishment. Several donors confirmed food aid pledges or availability of funds for local purchases. On-going or new food for work projects are also being targeted for vulnerable populations in areas at risk. For the 1995/96 marketing year (November/October), the cereal import requirement is estimated by FAO at 200 000 tons and food aid requirement at 50 000 tons. Part of the import requirement can be covered by traditional imports from neighbouring Nigeria. In addition, about 22 000 tons of local purchases have been pledged as of late August. So far, pledges for imported food aid amount to 13 900 tons.