Rainfall has been generally normal to above normal since the beginning of the rainy season over most producing areas. Following widespread and abundant precipitation in July, notably in late July in the eastern regions, rains remained widespread and regular in August and early September, although decreasing in mid-August. Cumulative rainfall is generally normal to above normal. Reflecting these favourable growing conditions, coarse grains are developing satisfactorily. Maize is being harvested in the Lac region.
Pastures are good to excellent in the sudanian zone and generally satisfactory in the sahelian zone.
Grasshoppers are reported in Chari-Baguirmi, Gu ra and Kanem regions. Grain eating birds appeared in the central sahelian zone. A swarm of African migratory locusts has been reported in Chari-Baguirmi, south of N Djamena where it caused some crop damage. Desert Locust breeding may be in progress on a small scale in some parts of the north and east, especially in areas of recent rainfall near Abeche and perhaps Tibesti. However, favourable breeding conditions are thought to be limited and consequently only low numbers of locusts are likely to be produced.