Famine Early Warning Systems Network

Key Messages

• The agriculture lean season is over thanks to the typical availability of early green harvests of maize, peanut and cowpea across the country.  These crops, as well as below average cereal prices, are improving food availability and access for poor households.  Households currently in Stress (IPC Phase 2) food insecurity will improve to Minimal (IPC Phase 1) by the end of September.

• Across the country, agricultural production is expected to be at average levels with the exception of some cereal and legume harvests in the groundnut basin. Rainfall deficits at the end of August reduced moisture levels in groundnut growing areas around Kafrine, Diourbel, Fatick, and Dakar.  The moisture deficit occurred at a critical time for crop development (budding and flowering) and will negatively impact these harvests. 

• Market stocks are sufficient across the country.  Cereal prices remain near or below the five year average with millet down by 6 percent, sorghum down by 2 percent, and rice at near average levels.  Households are also receiving average incomes from typical livelihood activities around agricultural and non- agricultural labor.  Income and prices are favorable for improving household food access across most of the country. 

• Flooding from July to September 2016 has caused extensive damage to homes and crops in Fatick, Dakar, Saint Louis and Louga.  The deterioration of livelihoods has negatively affected the capacity of poor households to satisfy food needs and to rebuild lost assets.  These households are in Stressed (IPC Phase 2) acute food insecurity.