Following sporadic early rains in the extreme south in late March, rainfall was more widespread in the south in late April. Quantity decreased in early/mid-May, except in the south-west but increased again in late May. First rains may have been received in the Sahelian zone during the first dekad of June. Planting of coarse grains is underway in the south and will progress northwards following the onset of regular rains. Sorghum is emerging in Léré region and millet is already tillering in Békao area.
Grasshoppers were reported in Ouaddaï and have been treated. Worms also caused substantial damage to maize on islands on Lake Chad. There was an unconfirmed report of Desert Locusts coming from the east in late May, though no further details could be obtained. Low numbers of adults and perhaps a few small groups may appear in the north coming from the Red Sea area, moving towards the west if there is no rain and areas continue to remain dry.
Following a below average crop in 1996, the food supply situation will remain tight in 1997, notably in the Sahelian zone where cereal prices are much higher than in previous years. In addition, the national security stock, which has a recommended level of 22 000 tons, is completely exhausted. The National Early Warning System (SAP) estimated the need of vulnerable populations in the Sahelian zone at 19 500 tons of cereals to be distributed during 6 months from March. The most affected populations are in Biltine prefecture which experienced drought for a second year and pest attacks but also in Batha and Kanem prefecture. The Government has sent sorghum to be sold at subsidized price in these Prefectures. Following an appeal for external assistance amounting to 50 000 tons of cereals launched by the government in December 1996, several donors confirmed or announced food aid contributions, either with imported cereals or from local purchases, notably in Salamat region. However, current pledges for imported food aid amount to about 36 000 tons and therefore do not cover the deficit. Additional contributions are required. Food aid distributions of 7 700 tons to 356 000 beneficiaries under a World Food Program emergency food operation started in June in Biltine and Kanem regions. An FAO/WFP project is also scheduled to provide assistance to the national food information and coordination unit (CASAGC) for the monitoring of the food supply situation and food aid contributions.