Crop, pasture outlook good, despite excessive rains

Despite unusually heavy rains in July in seven Sahelian countries, crop and pasture outlook in the subregion is good, the FAO's Global Information and Early Warning System says. In its latest weather and crop situation report, put out on 10 September, it says the rains especially benefited farmers in Mauritania, northern Senegal and Mali. "Crop prospects are generally favourable," the agency says. However, it says excess water may reduce yield potential in flooded fields in low-lying areas. The rains caused "substantial flooding" in Burkina Faso, Chad, Gambia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Senegal. The outcome for long-cycle crops in Burkina Faso, Chad and Niger it added, would depend on the continuation of rains in September. Although rainfall decreased over the Sahel in September, it says, it has been widespread and above average over most parts of Burkina Faso and Chad. Grasshoppers in this zone thrive on good rains and healthy crops. Infestations of grasshoppers and army worms have been reported in Cape Verde, Niger and Senegal, while stem borers have caused damage on millet in northern Burkina Faso. FAO warns that although no desert locusts have been reported in any country, small-scale breeding may occur although no significant developments are expected.