Burkina Faso, 2000 : current vulnerability assessment

The 1999/2000 agricultural season was favorable for crop and pasture production across much of the country. Estimated gross national cereal production of almost 2.7 million MT is a new record. National availability from production and net stocks exceeds needs by more than 200,000 MT. When projected net imports are added, the final cereal balance for 1999/2000 shows a net surplus of over 440,000 MT, which should keep cereal prices at low levels for a second consecutive year. Two consecutive years of relatively good food and cash crop production have bolstered the supply of food produced for household consumption for most farmers and agropastoralists, leaving average households food-secure in 19 of Burkina"s 30 provinces. However, in the central Provinces of Boulkieme, Sanguie, and Sanmatenga, below-average cereal production over the past 2-3 years has reduced farm households"s main source of food. All 3 are considered highly food-insecure. In another 8 provinces in the north and center (Kouritenga, Oubritenga, Oudalan, Passore, Seno, Soum, Sourou, and Yatenga), estimated cereal production was below average (except for Passore) and insufficient to cover province-level consumption needs. All of these provinces were found to be moderately food-insecure in 1998/99. The provinces of Oudalan, Seno, and Soum suffered the largest production shortfalls relative to average this year: - 26%, -33%, and -24%, respectively. However most households in these provinces are agropastoralists and can take advantage of good pastures and favorable livestock-to-cereal terms of trade to compensate for lost crop production. In Kouritenga, Oubritenga, Passore, Sourou, and Yatenga provinces, expected low cereal prices are likely to make market food supplies relatively affordable and favorable conditions for off-season gardening will provide income and food. Farmers and agropastoralists in all 8 provinces are considered moderately food-insecure. Currently, no specific interventions have been planned in the highly food-insecure provinces of Boulkiemde, Sanguie, or Sanmatenga. However, the government is encouraging populations in these localities to take advantage of water availability to intensify livestock and off-season gardening and cropping activities. Related activities to be taken by Famine Early Warning Systems (FEWS) over the course of the consumption year are detailed. (Author abstract, modified)