2700/5000 Agricultural campaign and current food situation

The 2010-2011 agricultural season saw an early onset of rains in most of the country. However, it has also been marked by irregularity and low rainfall since the start of the season. This irregularity has revealed itself in time as well as in space. Thus, the seasonal rainfall from April 1 to June 30, 2010 varied between 32.8 mm in Dori and 423.0 mm in Pô. In the time dimension, despite the early installation of the campaign, the majority of regions were subject to pockets of drought during the month of June. However, from the first decade of July, the agro-pastoral season is progressing satisfactorily in all regions.
It should also be noted that in the third ten days of July, excessive amounts of rains fell in some regions causing flooding and extensive damage. The recorded water levels reached 240 mm in places and the number of people affected by these floods has reached more than 85,000 people, including 15 dead and several missing.
The food situation is generally satisfactory in all regions except that of the Sahel and those affected by the floods. Indeed, there is good availability of basic foodstuffs on the markets and acceptable price levels with a downward trend. However, in the Sahel region, where the food situation remains worrying, households, entirely dependent on the market, find it difficult to obtain supplies because of high price levels and their low purchasing power. For the flooded areas, food aid is mobilized by the Government and partners but remains insufficient.
The sale of cereals at social prices and the actions of partners in risk areas are helping to alleviate the situation. Maintaining them throughout the lean season will ensure the supply of many households and the stability of prices see their decline in the markets of these localities.
On the pastoral level, the food situation for livestock has improved significantly across the country compared to the previous month. For this month of July, it is judged overall fair for small livestock and still difficult for large livestock in the Sahel and northern regions. Therefore, in the overweight state of the animals, it is bad for large livestock in both areas.
The Director General of the Promotion of the Rural Economy (DGPER)
Souleymane OUEDRAOGO