In Mauritania, growing conditions were mostly favourable for rainfed crops in September. Crop prospects have improved in Cape Verde following increased rains in September. They are uncertain in Guinea-Bissau as the impact of civil disturbances on plantings and other agricultural activities is not clear. FAO's tentative assessment of yield forecast for cereals in the Sahelian countries is shown in Annex I. Pastures are abundant. Grasshoppers are reported in most countries.
Grain eating birds and insect attacks are also worrisome in several countries.
Some limited Desert Locust activity is reported in Mali, Mauritania and Niger. A few additional adults may appear in northern Mauritania and persist in northern Mali and Niger. The final report and press release of this regional meeting indicates that crop prospects are favourable in the main producing countries of the Sahel but remain uncertain in Cape Verde, Senegal and The Gambia, following a late start of the rainy season. Improved harvests should allow a recovery in per caput consumption to levels prior to the 1997 reduced crop. They would also improve the food supply situation of the populations affected by successive poor crops.