| Area: | 274 000 sq.km |
| Climate: | Tropical wet-dry in south, semi-arid in north; one rainy season: May-October |
| Population: | 11.13 million (1998 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 240 (1997) |
| Specific characteristics of the country: | Low-income food-deficit country; sahelian land-locked country |
| Logistics: | Roads inadequate during rainy season; adequate rail link to Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire) |
| Major foodcrops: | Millet, sorghum, pulses, maize |
| Marketing year: | November/October; Lean season: July-September |
| Share of cereals in total calorie intake: | 73 percent |
CURRENT SITUATION
A joint FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission reviewed with national services in mid-October the evolution of the 1998 growing season and harvest prospects. The aggregate 1998 cereal production is estimated at 2 387 800 tonnes which is well above last year’s output but remains about average.
This increased harvest will improve the overall food supply situation which was tight in 1998 following a reduced crop in 1997. Prices of cereals have decreased significantly. The government is planning to buy about 20 000 tonnes to replenish the national security stock to the recommended level of 35 000 tonnes. However, some deficit areas remain vulnerable and the provision of cereals at subsidised prices may be necessary as was done by the government during the 1998 lean season.
| Wheat | Rice | Coarse grains | Total | |
| Normal Production | - | 83 | 2 290 | 2 373 |
| Normal Imports | 50 | 80 | 25 | 155 |
| of which: Structural food aid | 7 | 6 | 15 | 28 |
| 1998/99 Domestic Availability | - | 105 | 2 275 | 2 379 |
| 1998 Production (rice in paddy terms) | - | 113 | 2 275 | 2 388 |
| 1998 Production (rice in milled terms) | - | 75 | 2 275 | 2 349 |
| Possible stock drawdown | - | 30 | - | 30 |
| 1998/99 Utilization | 55 | 195 | 2 300 | 2 549 |
| Food Use | 52 | 181 | 1 883 | 2 117 |
| of which: local purchase requirement | - | - | 20 | 20 |
| Non-food use | 1 | 14 | 351 | 366 |
| Exports or Re-exports | - | - | 15 | 15 |
| Possible stock build up | 2 | - | 50 | 52 |
| 1998/99 Import Requirement | 55 | 90 | 25 | 170 |
| Anticipated commercial imports | 45 | 80 | 10 | 135 |
| Food aid needs | 10 | 10 | 15 | 35 |
| Current Aid Position | ||||
| Food aid pledges | 6 | 9 | 11 | 26 |
| of which: Delivered | - | - | - | - |
| Donor-financed purchases | - | - | 9 | 9 |
| of which: for local use | - | - | 9 | 9 |
| for export | - | - | - | - |
| Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/Year) | 5 | 16 | 169 | 190 |
| Indexes | ||||
| 1998 production as % of normal: | 101 | |||
| 1998/99 import requirement as % of normal: | 110 | |||
| 1998/99 food aid requirement as % of normal: | 125 |
