FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report - November 1997:

BURKINA FASO

CURRENT SITUATION

Crop prospects are unfavourable in the east, the Central Plateau and the north. Rainfall was generally good and widespread in May and June, but irregular in July and August. Precipitations were generally widespread during the first and the third dekad of September but scarce during the second dekad, with mostly dry weather in the centre. Satellite imagery shows that vegetation index was above average during the first half of the season but became below average in August and September, notably in the centre and the east. By contrast, it is above average in the traditionally drier regions of the north (Sahel provinces). Coarse grains are now being harvested. In the centre, centre-north and the east, growing conditions have been less favourable and harvest prospects are poor. Pastures have generally regenerated satisfactorily, except in the east. Water reserves are replenished, but at levels much lower than last year. Grasshopper infestations have been reported, notably in the north and the east. Treatment is underway.

A joint FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission visited Burkina Faso from 18 to 24 October. Composed of experts from FAO/GIEWS, the DIAPER Programme and the Agrhymet Centre of CILSS, this Mission worked closely with the national services involved in the monitoring of the rainy season (meteorology, hydrology, plant protection, agricultural statistics, markets and prices) as well as with the USAID/FEWS and NGOs. It estimated 1997 aggregate cereal production at 2.28 million tons, which is about 7 percent below average and 8 percent below the 1996 level. It is also the lowest output since 1990. Compared to average, production increased for rice and maize but decreased for millet, sorghum and fonio. Therefore, cereal imports for the 1997/98 marketing year are likely to increase.