MAURITANIA:

Reflecting an erratic evolution of the rainy season, crop prospects are not favourable. The late and irregular start of the rains necessitated substantial replantings or late plantings. Rains improved in late July, decreased in early and mid-August and resumed in late August. Precipitation, however, decreased significantly in September. Cumulative rainfall is generally below normal. As rains are now ending, late planted crops may suffer water stress and yield potential will be reduced. Pastures have regenerated satisfactorily.

During September, Desert Locust hopper bands continued to mature within a wide area of the south-west. During the second half of the month, hoppers started to fledge and form new swarms, but they remained in the south-west south of Nouakchott. In the south-east, scattered adults were present at a few places in early September and an immature swarm was seen flying south. Control operations amounted to 3 660 hectares in September. Swarms are expected to develop during October and move further north towards Inchiri and Adrar, while some could move south across the Senegal River Valley.

A joint FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission is scheduled in Mauritania from 19 to 24 October. Composed of experts or consultants from FAO/GIEWS, the DIAPER Programme and the Agrhymet Centre of CILSS, this Mission will work closely with the national services involved in the monitoring of rainy season (meteorology, hydrology, plant protection, agricultural statistics) as well as the FAO/UNDP funded "Projet Informations Rurales".

Satellite Images (Cold Cloud Duration for the last three dekads)

	Legend