Early rainfall in pastoral zones leads to improvement in food security situation

The agricultural season had an early start and is developing normally in agricultural and agropastoral zones, despite localized dry spells in West Mayo Kebbi. Weeding is currently underway in the Sudanian zone, while planting is nearly complete in the Sahelian zone. The suspension of subsidies for motorized plowing has led to a decrease in area planted with cereals, by 35 percent. FEWS NET will monitor the evolution of this situation.

Pastoral conditions have improved in most of the country with the initiation of the rainy season, which allowed the replenishment of pastures and watering holes. Transhumant herds are gradually returning, and are currently gathered mostly in Guera. Livestock body conditions have improved, leading to improved milk availability. 

The technical services have reported an outbreak of army-worm in Moundou, Mandoul, Moyen-Chari parts of Mayo Kebbi and Dar Sila. Damage is currently negligible due to the low concentration (5-10 individuals/m2), but a phytosanitary monitoring (pesticide deployment alert) has been activated by the Department of Crop Protection.

Market supply is normal due to strong cereal production during the 2016-2017 season, and trade flows are normal in most of the country. Nevertheless, localized price rises have been registered due to low household stock, particularly in the Lake Chad region as well as in the departments of Megri and Kobe (Wadi Fira) and Abtouyour (Guera), where Crisis (IPC Phase 3) acute food insecurity outcomes are ongoing.