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SAHEL WEATHER AND CROP SITUATION - August 1997

Year of publication 1997

Author Trade and Markets Division

Product type Book (stand-alone)

Series title Sahel Weather and Crop Situation Report

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) Following an early start of the rainy season in May/June in the western part of the Sahel, growing conditions have significantly deteriorated in July, notably during the second dekad of the month which registered only very limited rains or dry weather over most parts of Senegal, The Gambia and Mauritania. Precipitation also decreased in Guinea Bissau. By contrast, weather conditions have been much more favourable in the eastern part of the Sahel with well above normal rains in Chad, notably in i ts sahelian zone. In between, in the central part of the region, precipitation remained generally normal and widespread. In Mali, rains were widespread and quite regular, more abundant during the second half of the month. Similarly, precipitation increased significantly over Burkina Faso in mid and late July after reduced rains in early July. In Niger, rainfall remained generally widespread during July. In Cape Verde, rains have started over the main islands. The last Meteosat satellite image fo r the first days of August is showing a cloud coverage over southern Senegal, most parts of Mali, Burkina Faso, western and central Niger and Chad. Rains should have been quite abundant in Guinea Bissau and Chad. By contrast, weather remained mostly dry over northern Senegal, Mauritania and eastern Niger. Plantings are finished in most countries but substantial replantings are necessary in Senegal, The Gambia and Mauritania. Reduced rains in July in the west of the Sahel have severely affecte d crop development and will diminish yield potential. Crops are generally growing satisfactorily in the centre and the east of the Sahel.

Language English

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