FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report 10/96

SENEGAL

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

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.$ 610 (1994)
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

Widespread and above-normal rains in late August compensated for reduced rains of early August. Following abundant rains received in the south in late July, precipitation decreased during the first dekad of August, notably in the centre. Rains resumed during the second dekad, notably in the south and the east. The west and the north-west remained mostly dry. However, during the last part of the month, above normal rains covered almost the entire country, being particularly abundant in the extreme south. These good rains, following earlier reduced levels, permitted crop recovery and reconstitution of soil moisture reserves. Millet and sorghum are generally at the heading stage in the south. Maize is maturing. Rice is growing satisfactorily although some fields may have been flooded following heavy rain in late August. In the north, coarse grains are tillering/elongating. Pastures are regenerating well, following recent rains.

No Desert Locusts have been reported recently but adult groups and possibly a few small swarms are likely to appear from the north in the western part of the Senegal River Valley and lay upon arrival in areas of recent rains.

The overall food supply situation is satisfactory and markets are generally well supplied except for maize. Prices of rice remain stable but are high. Prices of millet, sorghum and maize increased somewhat in both rural and urban markets but this is normal during the lean season. Some assistance may be needed for the procurement of surplus coarse grains in the south and its movement to traditional deficit areas in the north. For the 1995/96 marketing year (November/October), the cereal import requirement is estimated at 700 000 tons, mostly rice and wheat, including the structural food aid requirement of 27 000 tons. About 4 000 Mauritanian refugees are anticipated to return to Mauritania as soon as logistical problems are solved.