Early rainy season improves pastoral conditions and restarts agricultural activities

The rainy season is well established in the agropastoral zones and rainfed crop areas. In most of the country, rainfall stations, the cumulative recorded rainfall is already above those during the same period of 2016 and have allowed the emergence of new pastureland and the start of seasonal agricultural activities. 

National food availability is ensured by regular imports. Malian trade flows of traditional cereals are intensifying as Malian farmers are reassured by the positive trends of the current rainy season, leading to general stability of prices with lower prices in border markets (Adel Bagrou) and in markets in the southern agropastoral zone (Tintane and Magta Lahjar). 

Livestock prices continue to gradually increase as a result of the cumulative effects of the improvement of pasture conditions and the strong demand from domestic, Senegalese, and Malian traders, in preparation for the upcoming Tabaski holiday. 

Stressed (IPC Phase 2) levels will decline in all areas of concern in the western agropastoral zone due to improved pasture conditions, incomes from new agricultural activities and increases in income from the sale of livestock. However, very poor households will continue to face livelihoods deficits until the large harvests take place in October/November, which will lead to Minimal (IPC Phase 1) levels of food insecurity throughout the country.