Precipitation was particularly beneficial and above normal from the second dekad except in the north-east. Rainfall started to decrease in the third dekad but remained widespread. In contrast, flooding delayed crop development in low-lying areas. Elsewhere, soil moisture reserves are generally adequate for crop development. Millet and sorghum are at heading and early maturation stages.
Pastures are abundant.
The overall pest situation is calm. Substantial infestations of stemborers are reported in the North. The overall food supply situation is satisfactory. With 2.65 million tonnes of cereals harvested in 1998, markets are well supplied and prices of local millet and sorghum are decreasing. In contrast, the price of white maize increased somewhat.