Following quite abundant rains in late August, precipitation remained generally adequate in the main producing areas during the first dekad of September. Rains decreased significantly since the second and the third dekads but remained widespread except in northern and central Senegal, Mauritania and western Niger. Maize is being harvested. Rice is developing satisfactorily or still being replanted in low lying areas. Reflecting adequate growing conditions, normal or above normal harvests are anticipated in Burkina Faso , The Gambia , Guinea Bissau , Mali and southern Chad .
Prospects are unfavourable in Mauritania and uncertain in Senegal and Niger .
They will work closely with national services and early warning systems to review the evolution of the growing season and prepare first estimates of 1996 cereal production. The pest situation remains mostly calm. Insects or birds attacks are reported locally but damage to crops remains limited. Significant Desert Locust infestations continued to develop in Mauritania during September. Lower numbers of locusts were also present in Mali.