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GIEWS Country Brief: Burkina Faso 15-May-2017

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Burkina Faso
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FAO
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FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT

  • Above-average harvest gathered in 2016

  • Coarse grain prices seasonally increased in recent months and are above their year-earlier levels

  • Humanitarian assistance continues to be needed mostly for Malian refugees in northern Sahel region

Starting of 2017 rainy season in south

Early but limited rains were registered in the southern part of the country in May allowing land preparation and first plantings to start. Elsewhere, seasonably dry conditions prevail.

Above-average harvest gathered in 2016 due to adequate rainfall and continued Government support

Harvesting of maize, millet and sorghum was completed in November, while harvesting of rice concluded in April 2017. Rainfall was generally adequate, allowing satisfactory development of crops throughout the growing season. Moreover, the Government continued to support farming activities by distributing seeds and providing farm equipment. Despite some localized crop losses due to flooding and attacks of maize crops by caterpillars,official estimates put the 2016 cereal production at about 4.5 million tonnes, 9 percent above the previous year’s level and 3 percent above the five-year average. Production of sorghum, the most important staple, increased by 17 percent from 2015, while millet production increased by 5 percent. Pastures have regenerated countrywide, improving livestock conditions.

Coarse grain prices showed seasonal increases in recent months

Prices of locally-produced millet and sorghum have been increasing since January. Prices rose further in April despite the good availabilities from the 2016 bumper harvest. Large institutional purchases compounded the seasonal upward trend, pushing prices to levels above those of a year earlier.

Continued assistance still needed, especially for vulnerable people

Food security conditions remain difficult in several regions, especially in the Sahel and Northern regions. Moreover, the country continues to host a large number of refugees from neighbouring Mali. According to UNHCR, as of end of March 2017, there were still about 33 000 Malian refugees in Burkina Faso, mostly in Oudalan and Soum provinces of the northern Sahel region, which has already been facing food insecurity and high malnutrition rates. More than 116 000 people are estimated to be in Phase 3: “Crisis” and above, according to the last analysis of the “Cadre Harmonisé” (Harmonized Framework) conducted in the country.