FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report - November 1997:

MALI

CURRENT SITUATION

Overall crop prospects are mostly favourable. Following generally widespread and regular rains since the beginning of the rainy season, except in late July and early August in the west and the centre, growing conditions have been generally favourable. In September, precipitation was often above normal during the first and the third dekad. Soil moisture reserves are adequate. Coarse grains are being harvested. Rice is developing satisfactorily in the "Office du Niger" and an above average or even record crop is anticipated reflecting larger planted areas following high levels reached by the Niger river. Pastures are abundant and water points are well replenished.

Grain-eating birds attacks have been reported in the rice-producing areas. Grasshopper infestations are also reported on millet and sorghum in the Sahelian zone. Solitarious immature and mature Desert Locusts were present during the second half of October throughout the Adrar des Iforas and western Tamesna. Most were concentrated in the few wadis that remained green. An isolated hopper was seen at Tidjaladine indicating that breeding had occurred in the area. Although numbers are expected to remain low, adults may become concentrated in the few areas that remain green.

A joint FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission visited Mali from 25 October to 3 November. Composed of experts or consultants from FAO/GIEWS and the DIAPER Programme of CILSS, this Mission worked closely with the national services involved in the monitoring of rainy season (meteorology, hydrology, plant protection, agricultural statistics) as well as the USAID/FEWS. The Mission estimated, on the basis of the national production survey, aggregate output of cereals at 2 384 000 tons, which is 7 percent above the previous year’s harvest and 9 percent above average of the last five years. Production increased for all types of cereals but more markedly for maize.