Following generally adequate rains in late May and June, precipitation was below normal and badly distributed during the first two dekads of July except in the north. Rains increased significantly during the last dekad over the entire country. Following these reduced rains in July, cumulative rainfall which was above average in May and June due to an early start of the rainy season, became equal or slightly below average as of late July. With the improving rains in late July, millet and sorghum crops have recovered and are developing satisfactorily. Precipitation remained widespread in early August. In the southern half of the country, crops are generally in the vegetation stage. Plantings and replantings are completed countrywide. Pastures are regenerating quickly in the north. Water reserves are well replenished.
Grasshoppers infestations have been reported on 1 500 hectares, including 1 320 hectares of planted areas. Treatments are underway. Caterpillars attacks have also been reported on 4 350 hectares.
Following an above-average 1996 harvest, the overall food supply situation is satisfactory and markets are generally well supplied. Due to arrival on the markets of fresh maize and early millet, cereal prices are decreasing in most provinces except in the north where they are increasing and where some population may face food supply difficulties. The government has provided cereals for the "banques de c�r�ales" in the areas at risk. Deficits in northern provinces can be covered by transfer of cereals from the south, for which external assistance may be required. Cereal needs for ongoing food aid programmes can also be covered by local purchases. There are about 24 000 Tuareg refugees from Mali who are currently receiving food assistance. Their nutritional status is reported to be stable.