Recent harvests improve Household food consumption

Initial results for 2017/2018 agricultural campaign indicate a production of 2,862,610 tons of cereal, which corresponds to a 3.2 percent increase compared to the 2,773,926 tons of the five years average. However, deficits have been observed in Wadi Fira (-27 percent), Kanem (- 27 percent), Bahr-el-Gazel (BEG) (-20 percent), Lac (-7 percent), Moyen-Chari (-5 percent), Batha (-5 percent) and Mandoul (-1 percent). 

Current good pastoral conditions will likely remain until February 2018 for water and March for pasture. The lack of rain in September has affected pastures in Wadi Fira, Ouaddaï, Batha, BEG, north of Lac, Nord-Guera and Nord-Kanem. Therefore, pastoral lean season is expected to start early affecting livestock body conditions as well as milk availability. 

Transplanting of Sorgho (Berbéré) continues in all the production areas, including Fitri an Bahr-Azoum. However, transplanted surfaces are estimated at 473,441 hectares, corresponding to a 5 percent increase compared to the five years average. This is due to flood crops losses. Expected harvests will likely contribute to improve food consumption.