|  |
| Legend
|
Reduced rains in September are likely to stress crops in the north and the centre while crop conditions remain adequate in the south. Following widespread and abundant rains in late August, precipitation decreased significantly during the first dekad of September in the northern half of the country and remained abundant in the southern half. Rains ceased in most northern and central areas during the second dekad but resumed during the third dekad except in the north. Cumulative rainfall is normal to above normal in the south and the south-east and often below normal in the centre and the north. Rains in late September provided relief to crops affected by a long dry spell from 7 to 23 September in the centre and the north, but crops are likely to be severely stressed in the north. Coarse grains and rice are developing satisfactorily in the south. Pastures are drying in the north.
Cantharids and grasshoppers are reported locally but damage to crops remains limited. Desert Locust adults are likely to be present in the western part of the Senegal River Valley and will almost certainly be supplemented by adult groups, possibly a few small swarms, appearing from the north in October as the Intertropical Front moves southwards. These may mature and lay in areas of recent rains, or move further south.
A joint FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission is scheduled in Senegal from 14 to 18 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 «Cellule Agro-Sylvo Pastorale pour la Sécurité Alimentaire » (CASPAR), the early warning system (Suivi des zones et groupes à risques alimentaires - ZAR) and the SIM (price information system).
|
| |
|
| Legend
|
