STATE OF FOOD SECURITY IN BURKINA FASO FEWS NET UPDATE FOR AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 2001 SEPTEMBER 27, 2001

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1 SUMMARY The USAID Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWSNET) (Réseau USAID du Système d Alerte Précoce contre la Famine) 01 BP 1615 Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso, West Africa Tel/Fax: jsedgo@fews.net STATE OF FOOD SECURITY IN BURKINA FASO FEWS NET UPDATE FOR AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 2001 SEPTEMBER 27, 2001 Both food availability and access conditions improved significantly throughout the country from mid-august to September 20, thanks in part to the delivery of 5,000 MT of food aid from Libya and the availability of early-planted crops, such as maize, cowpeas, and groundnuts. Except for the Sahel Region, most households have been enjoying access to fresh produce from their fields. Consequently, food security conditions in most localities were significantly better than in the past several months. Even without early-maturing crops, households in the Sahel Region were not likely to suffer much from food insecurity, owing to good rains that sustained bountiful pastures and provided adequate water to meet the needs of the livestock. With healthy animals at hand, milk and meat became available to most livestock-owning households who could also exchange some of their animals for cereal on local markets with no problems. Thus, relatively good security conditions have prevailed throughout the country. To date, the growing season appears to be performing well. As rains remained steady and adequate throughout the period, most crops reached the advanced stage of grain filling/maturation as of mid-september. In the South and Southwest areas, sources from the Ministry of Agriculture even reported that a number of crops, such as maize, cowpeas, groundnuts, and ignames were already ready for consumption. Elsewhere throughout the country, maize, which people consider a relief crop until the main staple cereals are available, was also ripe enough for consumption. During the period under review, most agricultural activities, which consist mainly of the final of round weeding, were virtually complete. In the agro-pastoral areas, especially in the North and Sahel Regions, green pastures were abundant while most rivers, dams, streams, ponds, and other water points were refilled to capacity. There were no major diseases or feeding problems to report. All these conditions augured well for agro-pastoral activities and livelihoods. Thanks to the good rains, which continue to fall, most crops should be ready for consumption or harvest by mid-october. The next two to three weeks remain critical, 1

2 however, given that most crops have reached the very sensitive grainfilling/maturation stage, which cannot tolerate any major physiological stress, however short. Thus, this brief period will greatly influence the level of crop production from the 2001/02 agricultural season. But no matter happens with the rains, knowledgeable sources believe that this year s production is likely to exceed the level of production reached last year. 1. Current Food Security Conditions 1.1. Food Availability Food availability continued to be satisfactory during the period extending from mid- August through September 20. As a result, no major food shortages or similar difficulties were reported in Burkina Faso. Most major markets remained well supplied in cereals and other food commodities. At the household level, food security conditions have improved because early-maturing of maize and groundnut crops are available in most localities, except for the Sahel Region, where these crops are not usually grown. In some areas, especially in the South-West zone (Hauts-Bassins), sources from the Ministry of Agriculture observed that a number of crops, such as maize, groundut, cowpea, and ignames, already have reached maturity. To some extent, these crops have become a major source of relief for low-income families facing seasonal hunger during the past several months. During the period under review, the country benefited from two major food donations. The first donation, from Libya, consisted of 5,000 MT of rice and maize valued at 700 million CFA francs. The second donation, estimated at 100 MT of unspecified food aid, was recently granted by Saudi Arabia, but is not yet available for distribution. The donation from Libya came in late August and the distribution has already begun in a number of provinces or localities. As of mid-september, provinces that benefited from such free food distribution included Oubritenga, Ganzourgou, Namentenga, Table 1. Localities that Benefited from Libyan Food Aid as of Mid-September 2001 Province Amount of Food Aid Received in MT Number and Type of Beneficiaries Boulkiemde women s associations Ganzourgou 50 Over 100 women s associations Kouritenga 50 9 women s associations Kourwéogo women s associations Namentenga women s associations Oubritenga women s associations (with a total of 17,204 members) Passoré 70 Rural associations (number unknown) Total 470 Source: Ministry of Agriculture 2

3 Kouritenga, Kourweogo, Boulkiemde, and Passoré (Table 1). Other provinces were still waiting to receive their share, including Sanguié, Sourou, Nayala, Yatenga, Lorum, Zandoma, Seno, and Soum. This food aid, along with the arrival of fresh produce from the fields, has contributed to easing the soudure (or hungry period) during the past several months in several localities. Consequently, food availability conditions in this period were quite satisfactory and even better than in previous periods Food Accessibility Conditions Prices of millet and sorghum in key markets are falling off, indicating that average households are likely enjoying relative improvements in their access to food. Using prices of millet and sorghum, the major staple crops (millet prices in Kaya were not available), Figures 1 and 2 show that prices in most major markets have started to decline or level off as of mid-september. This downward trend in prices has occurred because fresh produce, such as maize, peanut, and cowpeas, are becoming available for many households across the country. In addition, thanks to the food aid program that provided free or subsidized food in a number of localities, fewer people relied on the market for their food supplies for their livelihood. The resulting lesser reliance on the market for food caused prices to drop or level off as is being observed in Bobo-Centre, Dedougou, Ouagadougou, Fada N Gourma, and Kaya. The only exception is Dori, where prices for millet and sorghum continued to rise. Without offsetting increases in household income as prices rise, the greater the hardships average households are likely to face in accessing food. At least two factors have contributed to this situation in Dori. First, as the season progressed through the hungry period, national cereal availability declined, making less food available for domestic marketing, even at major redistribution centers such as Ouagadougou, which normally supplies Dori with cereals and other food commodities. In addition, local traders probably did not bring in enough food to meet the consistently high demand, owing to the poor harvests from previous season. Poor road conditions in the Sahel Region have also hampered deliveries to Dori and surrounding areas, where prices are now the highest of the major markets. Another explanation for the rising prices is that Dori and the surrounding areas in the Sahel Region do not offer the right environment for growing the so-called relief crops, such as maize, groundnuts, and cowpeas. As a result, these areas usually experience higher prices for longer periods as most average households there rely more on the market for their daily food staple consumption. Unfortunately, no major food aid distributions or sales were reported during the period. In spite of this rising price trend, the favorable agro-pastoral conditions so far in the Sahel Region (abundant water, forage, milk, along with relatively high prices for most livestock) suggest that average households there should not face major problems in accessing food through the local markets. 3

4 Figure 1. Nominal Millet Prices in Key Markets as of September 20, CFA Francs /kg CFA Francs/ kg Bobo-Centre Dori Ouahigouya Ouagadougou Kaya Figure 2. Nominal Sorghum Prices in Key Markets as of September 20, 2001 Jun-01 Aug-01 Avg Jul-01 Sep Bobo-Centre Dori Ouahigouya Ouagadougou Kaya FEWS NET/ Burkina Faso Source: SIM Meanwhile in the rest of the country, maize, cowpea, and groundnut crops have started becoming available for most rural households, a factor that explains why food commodity prices across most major markets tended to decline or level off. Overall, food access conditions during the period under review were satisfactory and improved over previous months. 4

5 1.3. Response Planning Update With the recent donation of food from Libya (5,000 MT) and Saudi Arabia (100 MT) along with food aid stocks from other donors, the government has begun its third round of food assistance to people in areas that were hardest hit by high food insecurity. This assistance is scheduled to continue through October or until most planted crops are ready for consumption. FEWS NET will continue updating on this joint effort initiated several months ago by the government and most partners in Burkina Faso. 2. National Trends: Hazard Information 2.1. Epidemic Threats In September, Ministry of Health sources revealed that cholera had suddenly erupted in the southeast localities of Bittou and Cinkansé near the Togolese border. Travelers from Togo had apparently brought in the disease. As of September 21, the number of reported cases had reached 382, with apparently 8 people dead. The outbreak has been brought under control through medical care along with well-targeted public awareness programs on both sides of the border Rainfall Conditions Satellite images reveal that rainfall conditions were mostly satisfactory during the period (Figure 3). From the third dekad of August through the second dekad of September, most localities benefited from adequate rains ranging from mm in the Sahel Region (Sahelian zone), mm in the Center Plateau (Sudano-Sahelian climate), and mm and above (Sudanian climate) in the South, Southwest, East Regions. Except for Dablo Department in Sanmatenga (Sahelian climate) that experienced a dry spell for more than two weeks, no major problems have been reported. In some localities, especially in the East and Southwest areas, the amount of rains received was even greater than the long-term average ( ), which underscores the exceptionally favorable rainfall conditions that have prevailed throughout the country. Weather station rainfall data from the National Meteorological Services corroborate these findings (Figure 4). In the Mouhoun (Dedougou), Yatenga (Ouahigouya), and Gourma (Fada N Gourma) areas, the cumulative rainfall recorded as of September 20 was significantly greater than the 30-year average ( ). On the other hand, in the Hauts-Bassins (Bobo Centre), Kadiogo (Ouagadougou), and Seno (Dori), similar recordings revealed that cumulative rains although high remained lower than the 30-year average. Considering the frequent distribution of rains, however, this situation is not likely to significantly affect normal plant growth and development. Nevertheless, record-breaking yields may not be reached this year in Hauts-Bassins, a province normally considered one of the major granaries for Burkina Faso. 5

6 Figure 3. Satellite Imagery of Estimated Rainfall (RFE) during August and September 2001 in the Sahel August 21-31, 2001 Current image versus long-term average ( ) September 1-10, 2001 Current image versus long-term average ( ) September 11-20, 2001 Current image versus long-term average ( ) Source: NOAA/USGS 6

7 1,000 Figure 4. Cumulative Rainfall as of September 20, 2001 In Key Locations Recorded Rainfall in mm Cumulative 2001 Average Bobo-Dioulasso Dedougou Ouaga- dougou Ouahigouya Dori Fada N'Gourma FEWS NET Burkina Faso Source: National Meteorological Services 2.3. Agricultural Activities and Crop Calendars Agricultural activities are winding down in most localities. Weeding, the only remaining activity, is now completed throughout the country. In the South and Southwest regions, some early-planted crops are ready for harvesting, including maize, groundnuts, cowpeas, and ignames. Meanwhile, cotton has reached the advanced stage of budding and cowpeas have reached the podding stage. In the rest of the country, most crops are also in the grain filling/maturation stage. Maize and groundnuts, in particular, are ripe and ready for harvest and consumption. With a few more rains, most crops should reach complete maturity by mid-october. Some localities are also preparing for off-season agricultural activities. In the South/Southwest Region in particular (Bale Province), farmers were already busy planting sesame during the last dekad of August to take advantage of the residual moisture in the soils. This crop should be ready for harvest by December/January. Meanwhile, dry spells as well as flooding in some localized areas could potentially harm yields. A prolonged dry spell (more than two weeks) is affecting the northern parts of Sanmatenga, while a number of lowland fields in the Southwest Region have experienced some localized flooding. The flooded areas include Koumbia in Tuy Province, Faramana in Houet Province, and N Dorola in Kénédougou Province. 7

8 2.4. Hydrology, Livestock, and Pasture Conditions The 2001 rainy season has been characterized by steadier and more generous rains than a year ago at the same period (Table 2), suggesting good hydrological conditions for a number of regions. Rainfall was satisfactory from the third dekad of August through the second dekad of September in most areas of Burkina Faso (Figure 3). In the South/Southwest Regions, in particular, cumulative rainfall was greater than the average, signaling good hydrological conditions for these regions. The relatively high volume of water measured in the major dams by the Ministry of Environment and Water was consistent with the cumulative rainfall trends obtained from the weather station data (Figure 4). In mid-september, most major dams, except for Bagré and Kompienga, were between 98 percent and 116 percent of their maximum recommended water refilling capacity. In comparison, only one dam (Loumbila) had reached its maximum stage of refilling in September Elsewhere in the country, reports from the government field offices also suggest that most rivers and local streams, dams, and ponds were refilled to capacity or even overflowing in some areas. Dam Table 2. Hydrological Conditions of Major Dams as of September in Burkina Faso Maximum water volume (M m 3 ) Amount of water received as of 09/10/01 (M m 3 ) Level of refill compared to maximum recommende d volume (%) Amount of water received as of 09/10/00 (M m 3 ) Level of refill compared to maximum recommended volume (%) Bagré 1,700 1, Kompienga 2, Loumbila Ziga Ouaga No Source: Ministry of Environment and Water (DIRH) The good rains and beneficial hydrological conditions have helped most pastures throughout the country to regenerate to produce abundant forage for animals (Figure 5). Livestock from many localities and in the Sahel Region, in particular, should be well fed this year with adequate water to meet their drinking needs. Government field offices confirm this assessment and report that most animals are in good shape and healthy with no threat of epidemics. 8

9 Figure 5. Satellite Imagery of Vegetative Growth (NDVI) during August and September 2001 in the Sahel August 21-31, 2001 Current image compared to average September 1-10, 2001 Current image compared to average September 11-20, 2001 Current image compared to average Source: NASA/USGS Source: NASA/USGS 9

10 3. National Trends: Non-Hazard Information On September 18, the Swedish Government announced a major grant of 2.8 billion CFA francs (about US$4 million) in support of Burkina Faso s efforts to eradicate poverty. Release of this grant is conditional on IMF approval. 4. Food Security Prospects With a well-performing growing season nearly completed, along with ongoing favorable rain conditions, households are poised to enjoy good food security conditions during the next several months. Agro-climatic indicators suggest that the growing season has been performing well. Most crops throughout the country are in the far-advanced stage of grain filling/maturation. With a few more rains, most crops will likely be ready for consumption or harvest by mid-october. In addition, no major pests or animal diseases have been reported. Most pastures are lush and many rivers, dams, streams, ponds, and other water points have been refilled to capacity. Given these conditions, prospects are that a great number of Burknabe households are likely to enjoy bountiful harvests and good food security during the next several months. Rains in the next two to three weeks still have an important role to play, as any fall off in rainfall in this period could lower expected yields. The grain filling/maturation stage is particularly sensitive in that most crops cannot tolerate even a small amount of major stress. But most experts agree that a change in the rains is not likely to alter this year s harvest outcome, which is expected to be much improved over last year s production. 10