FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report - November 1997:

CHAD

CURRENT SITUATION

African Migratory Locusts are threatening crops in the south-west. Following widespread and abundant precipitation in July and August, precipitation seasonably decreased in September. Coarse grains are developing satisfactorily. Millet and sorghum are maturing in the Sudanian zone, and are in the reproduction phase in the Sahelian zone. Maize has been harvested in the Lac region. Areas planted for recession crops may decrease this year as a result of lower levels reached by the Chari and Logone rivers and possible attacks of African Migratory Locusts on rice seed-beds and/or transplanted crops. Pastures are good in the Sudanian zone and generally satisfactory in the Sahelian zone.

Grasshoppers are reported in Chari-Baguirmi, Guéra and Kanem regions. Grain eating birds appeared in the Sahelian zone. Large swarms of African Migratory Locusts have been reported in early September in Chari-Baguirmi, south of N’Djamena, where they caused some crop damage. Locusts laid eggs and large numbers of hopper bands are now reported. New swarms will start to form shortly and large crop or pastures areas are threatened in the south-west as well as in neighbouring countries. Treatment has started. Low numbers of solitary Desert Locust may be present and breeding in a few places in Biltine and northern Ouaddaï provinces. Population levels are expected to remain at a low level.

An FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission, composed of experts or consultants from FAO/GIEWS and the DIAPER Programme of CILSS, visited Chad from 13 to 23 October to assess the 1997 growing season and crop production with national services and the early warning system (SAP) of Chad. Early indications point to an aggregate output of cereals estimated at 994 000 tons, which is 13 percent above the 1996 level and 9 precent above the five-year average. However, production figures may need to be revised downwards if control operations against Migratory Locusts are not organized on time.