Famine Early Warning Systems Network

Seasonal progress

The progress of the growing season is considered to be average overall for dry crops and average to good for rice throughout the country. Development continued until the midpoint of the month, thanks to the beneficial onset of rains from the second half of July. Crop areas planted at the end of July are generally greater than in 2018, except for maize, for which they are reduced (National Directorate of Agriculture) due to erratic rainfall at the beginning of the season. In Koro, Bankass and Bandiagara Cercles, population displacements and the abandonment of fields due to insecurity have reduced areas under cultivation compared with an average year. Current agricultural operations (weeding, application of fertilizers) are providing average income and food opportunities for poor households.

Water point replenishment and new pasture growth are continuing throughout the country, which is significantly improving access to animal feed. Plant biomass production as at 10 August was normal to surplus in northern regions, and normal to poor elsewhere in the country. The resumption of milk production, considered to be good to average, is improving consumption for pastoral households, as well as their income from the sale of milk and dairy products (butter, cheese). The animal health situation is stable and the vaccination campaign against major diseases is ongoing.

Flooding

Heavy rains in July and August caused damage to crops, equipment, housing, grain stores and livestock in the regions of Ségou, Koulikoro, Bamako, Tombouctou, Mopti and Kidal. The resulting deterioration in livelihoods is adversely affecting the ability of households (an estimated 7,355 people – United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, July) to adequately meet their food needs during this lean season.

Markets and prices

The supply of cereals to markets remains adequate overall despite the seasonal reduction in supply – which is less pronounced than in an average year – and the disruptions to flows due to ongoing insecurity in the north and center of the country. Government intervention sales and the current harvests of off-season rice are improving the availability of cereals. The price of millet is stable or below the five-year average in the markets of regional capitals, except in Kayes where it is 16 percent higher. These price levels are conducive to average household access to food.

Livestock markets remain lively after Eid al-Adha and thanks to sales by farmers ready for the ascent to winter pastures. Livestock prices are improving as a result of their restored physical condition due to favorable farming conditions. The price of goats relative to the five-year average is lower by 15 percent in Ansongo, 11 percent in Rharous and 6 percent in Kidal, and higher by 36 percent in Tombouctou, 39 percent in Niafunké, 26 percent in Goundam, 12 percent in Gao and 18 percent in Bourem. Terms of trade for goats and millet are around 5 to 15 percent better than the previous month. Relative to the five-year average, terms of trade for goats and millet are down by 13 percent in Kidal and 10 percent in Rharous and Ansongo, stable in Goundam and up in Tombouctou (39 percent), Douentza (32 percent), Mopti (31 percent) and Bourem (31 percent). This is conducive to average access to food for livestock farming households, except for those in Ansongo, Kidal and Rharous, where access is slightly reduced.

Humanitarian action

Free food assistance, mainly in the form of monthly vouchers and cash from the Government and humanitarian partners, is continuing to be provided to around 550,000 people in need from June to September 2019, in line with the national response plan, mainly in the Mopti, Tombouctou, Gao, Ménaka, Taoudenit and Kidal regions. At the same time, 8,000 tons of direct Government food distributions for 296,296 people are under way in the Mopti and Ségou regions. Current humanitarian support is helping to limit deterioration in the food and livelihood situation, especially for displaced households. Support for displaced households, estimated at 168,515 people at the end of July (Commission on Population Movements, August 2019), continues to be actively pursued, both in camps and for those staying with host families.