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SAHEL WEATHER AND CROP SITUATION - July 1999

Year of publication 1999

Author Trade and Markets Division

Product type Book (stand-alone)

Series title Sahel Weather and Crop Situation Report

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) Rising concerns over reduced precipitation in early or mid-June, particularly in Burkina Faso and Niger have eased with abundant rains over most producing areas of the Sahel since late June. Rains have now started in western Gambia, northern Senegal, southern Mauritania, central and northern Mali, eastern Niger and the Sahelian zone of Chad where plantings have started. Further south, above normal rains benefitted recently planted crops and compensated for the below average rains of early to mid -June. In Guinea Bissau, they helped desalination of swamp rice fields where rice seedlings, now in seedbeds, will be transplanted. In Cape Verde, first rains have been registered in early July. Satellite imagery indicates that during the first dekad of July, precitation remained normal to above normal throughout the Sahel except in the south of Chad. The dry spell of early to mid-June in Burkina Faso and Niger delayed plantings and necessitated replantings in some areas. This might reduce production if rains do not continue late in the season. Grasshoppers are reported in Chad, the Gambia and Niger. Grain-eating birds are reported in Mali and Niger. Control measures are underway. Rodent attacks to crops are also reported in Niger. The Desert Locust situation remained calm during June. Low numbers of adults are expected to appear in the summer breeding areas of the Sahel but no significant developments are expected.

Language English

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    Following generally above normal rains in July over most agricultural zones, growing conditions remained favourable in August in the Sahelian countries. During the three dekads of August, rainfall was generally above normal and cumulative rainfall in August exceeds 100 mm everywhere in the main producing zones of the Sahel and in most cases in northern desert areas (see map on page 4). Unusually heavy rains were registered in Burkina Faso, Chad, Gambia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Senegal, causi ng substantial flooding. These abundant rains benefited crop and pasture development particularly in Mauritania, northern Senegal and Mali, although excess water may reduce yield potential in flooded fields in low-lying areas. Crop prospects are generally favourable. However, the outcome for long cycle varieties in the Sudanian zones (Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad) will depend on the continuation of the rains in September. Pastures are abundant in the region. Satellite imagery for the first days of September indicates that precipitation decreased somewhat over the Sahel but remained widespread and still above average over most parts of Burkina Faso and Chad. Pest infestations (mostly grasshoppers and army worms) are reported in Cape Verde, Niger and Senegal, and treatments have been undertaken in some areas. Stemborers caused damage on millet in northern Burkina Faso. Although no Desert Locusts have been reported from any country in the region, small-scale breeding may occur. No si gnificant developments are expected.
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    SAHEL WEATHER AND CROP SITUATION - June 1999 1999
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    The rainy season started generally on time or even early in southern Senegal. However, following generally above normal rains in early to mid-May, the rains decreased significantly in early June in the centre and the east of the Sahel. By contrast, in the west, they progressed northwards over Senegal, The Gambia and Guinea Bissau. The rainy season started in April in the extreme south of Mali and progressed northwards in May. In Burkina Faso, rains started in mid-April, became widespread and wer e generally above normal over the south and the centre up to mid-May, but they decreased significantly in early June. Precipitation was widespread over southern Niger and Chad in May but decreased in early June. Elsewhere, in Cape Verde, northern parts of Senegal and Mauritania, seasonably dry conditions prevail. The last Meteosat satellite image for the first few days of the second dekad of June confirms the rainfall pattern. Land preparation and plantings are in progress following the ons et of the rains. Crops are emerging satisfactorily in Burkina Faso, southern Chad and Mali but reduced rains in early June are threatening recently planted crops, notably in Burkina Faso. Grain-eating birds are reported in Chad, Mali and Niger. Control measures are underway. Rodents also appeared following plantings in Niger. Isolated Desert Locusts have been reported in Mauritania; low numbers are expected in the summer breeding areas of the Sahel once seasonal rains commence. No signific ant developments are expected.
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    SAHEL WEATHER AND CROP SITUATION - October 1999 1999
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    After abundant rains in mid or late August in several parts of the Sahel, rainfall decreased somewhat in September but remained generally widespread and above normal. During the first two dekads, rains were well distributed over the producing zones of the Sahel and abundant in Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Burkina Faso and Chad. However, they were more limited in Mali. During the third dekad, they stopped in north-western Senegal and central Chad but continued over all the other producing zones. Cumulative rainfall is generally normal to above normal in Burkina Faso, Chad, The Gambia, Niger and Senegal. High water levels in the Senegal and Niger rivers caused flooding, notably in Mauritania. Soil moisture reserves are adequate except in some areas in northern Senegal and Niger. Early millet and sorghum are maturing or reaching harvest stage in most productive zones. Satellite images for the first dekad of October indicate that cloud coverage continued over most producing zones of Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso and Chad but diminished over Mauritania, north-eastern Burkina Faso and Niger. Precipitation remained above normal in southern and central Senegal, Mali, western Burkina Faso and southern Chad. Overall, good harvests are anticipated in most countries. Pastures are abundant and of good quality, notably in Mauritania. Pest infestations (mostly grasshoppers, blister beetles and floral insects) were reported in Cape Verde, Niger, and Senegal. A small outbreak of De sert Locusts occurred in northern Mali as a result of exceptionally good breeding conditions. Limited breeding has also been reported in Mauritania. Elsewhere, no significant developments are expected.
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