NIGER:

Reflecting favourable growing conditions since August, crop conditions are generally satisfactory but harvest prospects are uncertain following irregular rains at planting time. Following good rains in mid/late August, precipitation remained quite abundant along the southern border in early September. Rains decreased in mid-September but remained widespread over the main producing areas. They moved southwards during the third dekad and ceased in several areas of the west. Crops are generally reaching reproduction/maturity but stages of development vary by region. The cessation of the rains may stress late planted crops, notably in the west.

Grasshoppers have been reported in several areas. Treatment has been undertaken. Desert Locust are likely to be present in Central Tamesna and fledge, but infestations are expected to remain small and limited.

A joint FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission is scheduled in Niger from 21 to 25 October. Composed of experts 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 SAP (early warning system) and the SIM (price information system).

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

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