Abundant but irregular rainfall allows sowing of Primera crops

In the midst of the lean season, the poorest households in the Dry Corridor affected by the extended canícula of 2018 have intensified the use of negative coping strategies to generate income that allows them to buy maize and beans. After months of relying on the market to access food, and without new options for income generation, these households face a situation of food insecurity in Crisis (Phase 3, CIF).

After the last harvest of basic grains from the Northern region that flowed in the markets until April, the prices of maize have increased according to their seasonal behavior. However, they remain 7% above the five-year average, making food access difficult for families who are depending on the market.

Although El Niño conditions are forecast up to January 2020, rains with irregular distribution in time and space during May have been observed with accumulations above the average, allowing the establishment of plantings in almost the entire country. However, the increase in temperature favors evapotranspiration, and could affect the soil in arid areas.