| Area: | 1 030 000 sq.km |
| Climate: | Mostly a Saharian country; semi-arid fringe in extreme south with rains in June-September |
| Population: | 2.49 million (1998 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 460 (1995) |
| Specific characteristics of the country: | Low-income food-deficit country; coastal country |
| Logistics: | Port capacity adequate, though storms during January-March sometimes cause difficulties |
| Major foodcrops: | Wheat, rice, millet and sorghum |
| Marketing year: | November/October; Lean season: July-September |
| Share of cereals in total calorie intake: | 54 percent |
CURRENT SITUATION
Particularly warm weather is reported in the south. Harvesting of recession and off-season crops is starting. Their production is expected to compensate for the very poor rainfed crop gathered in late 1997, following dry conditions during the growing season. A revision of production estimates prepared by the FAO/CILSS Assessment Mission in late October 1997 will be undertaken shortly by national statistical services in order to take into account production of recession and off-season crops. Pasture conditions are favourable. During December, solitary Desert Locusts were present at a few places in Atar and Zouerate areas.
The overall food supply situation is anticipated to be tight for farmers affected by poor rainfed crop production, notably in Assaba, Brakna, Gorgol and the two Hodhs. Poor rainfed production in Senegal will also limit possible imports in the Senegal river area. Following substantial recent commercial imports, wheat and rice prices remain mostly stable. Local coarse grain prices also remain stable or have decreased slightly following harvesting of rainfed crops, but they remain at high levels.
|
Wheat |
Rice |
Coarse grains |
Total |
|
|
Normal Production |
- |
58 |
104 |
162 |
|
Normal Imports |
190 |
95 |
20 |
305 |
|
of which: Structural food aid |
25 |
5 |
10 |
40 |
|
1997/98 Domestic Availability |
- |
52 |
76 |
128 |
|
1997 Production (rice in paddy terms) |
- |
78 |
76 |
153 |
|
1997 Production (rice in milled terms) |
- |
52 |
76 |
128 |
|
Possible stock drawdown |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
1997/98 Utilization |
200 |
152 |
116 |
468 |
|
Food Use |
155 |
137 |
103 |
395 |
|
of which: local purchase requirement |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Non-food use |
25 |
9 |
12 |
46 |
|
Exports or Re-exports |
20 1/ |
2 |
1 |
23 1/ |
|
Possible stock build up |
- |
4 |
- |
4 |
|
1997/98 Import Requirement |
200 1/ |
100 |
40 |
340 1/ |
|
Anticipated commercial imports |
180 |
95 |
20 |
295 |
|
Food aid needs |
20 |
5 |
20 |
45 |
|
Current Aid Position | ||||
|
Food aid pledges |
10 |
5 |
2 |
17 |
|
of which: Delivered |
3 |
5 |
- |
8 |
|
Donor-financed purchases |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
of which: for local use |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
for export |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/year) |
62 |
55 |
41 |
159 |
|
Indexes | ||||
|
1997 production as % of normal: |
95 |
|||
|
1997/98 import requirement as % of normal: |
111 |
|||
|
1997/98 food aid requirement as % of normal: |
113 |
