Early prospects are uncertain. Normal to above normal rains in May were followed by below precipitation in June and more rains are needed. Surveys on Desert Locust indicate favourable climatic conditions for breeding. Control operations against this and other pests are underway.
Prospects are unfavourable.
The area planted has been reduced by continuous population displacements coupled with late and insufficient rains. Shortages of seeds, despite large delivery programmes by international agencies, also contributed to the decline in plantings. Erratic rains in May and June have in general negatively affected crop development. More rains are needed in these areas to avoid further reductions in yield potential. By contrast, the high level of the White Nile, resulted in localized floods in eastern parts, along the Sobat corridor.