| Area: | 1 267 000 sq.km |
| Climate: | Northern part arid, southern part semi-arid with rains in June-October |
| Population: | 9.80 million (1998 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 200 (1997) |
| Specific characteristics of the country: | Low-income food-deficit country; land-locked sahelian country |
| Logistics: | Roads inadequate during rainy season |
| Major foodcrops: | Millet and sorghum, pulses, roots and tubers |
| Marketing year: | November/October; Lean season: July-September |
| Share of cereals in total calorie intake: | 70 percent |
CURRENT SITUATION
A joint CILSS/FAO Crop Assessment Mission which visited the country from 19-23 October estimated the 1998 aggregate cereal production at 3 041 900 tonnes, comprising 2 974 200 tonnes of millet and sorghum, 53 500 tonnes of paddy, 6 900 tonnes of maize and 7 300 tonnes of wheat. This estimated record production is 77 percent higher than in 1997 and about 47 percent above the average of the last five years. Good weather conditions and relatively low pest infestations largely account for this good outturn.
The overall food supply situation is anticipated to be satisfactory in light of the expected good harvest. However, despite this increase in harvest, the food supply situation is likely to be tight in some areas which are chronically food deficit. In addition, about 42 000 flood victims need specific assistance, as requested by a UN General Assembly appeal on 10 November.
| Wheat | Rice | Coarse grains | Total | |
| Normal Production | 4 | 66 | 1 991 | 2 061 |
| Normal Imports | 15 | 60 | 220 | 295 |
| of which: Structural food aid | 5 | 5 | 10 | 20 |
| 1998/99 Domestic Availability | 12 | 35 | 2 981 | 3 028 |
| 1998 Production (rice in paddy terms) | 7 | 54 | 2 981 | 3 042 |
| 1998 Production (rice in milled terms) | 7 | 35 | 2 981 | 3 023 |
| Possible stock drawdown | 5 | - | - | 5 |
| 1998/99 Utilization | 27 | 120 | 3 101 | 3 248 |
| Food Use | 26 | 103 | 2 324 | 2 454 |
| of which: local purchase requirement | - | - | 20 | 20 |
| Non-food use | 1 | 6 | 457 | 465 |
| Exports or Re-exports | - | - | 60 | 60 |
| Possible stock build up | - | 10 | 260 | 270 |
| 1998/99 Import Requirement | 15 | 85 | 120 | 220 |
| Anticipated commercial imports | 10 | 80 | 120 | 210 |
| Food aid needs | 5 | 5 | - | 10 |
| Current Aid Position | ||||
| Food aid pledges | 2 | 2 | 4 | 8 |
| of which: Delivered | - | - | - | - |
| Donor-financed purchases | - | - | 15 | 15 |
| of which: for local use | - | - | 15 | 15 |
| for export | - | - | - | - |
| Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/Year) | 3 | 11 | 237 | 250 |
| Indexes | ||||
| 1998 production as % of normal: | 148 | |||
| 1998/99 import requirement as % of normal: | 75 | |||
| 1998/99 food aid requirement as % of normal: | 50 |
