Average to above average seasonal rainfall accumulation affected by poor distribution
KEY MESSAGES
The Sahelian part of the Sudanian-Sahelian zone received above average total seasonal rainfall, but many places experienced early dry spells in June and July, while others experienced atypical dryness in September. Parts of the zone experienced dryness over June and July as well as in September, resulting in unfavorable conditions for crop growth and development, varying by the severity of the dry spells.
The rest of the Sudanian-Sahelian zone also received above average seasonal rainfall, but with an early poor distribution that affected in particular the southern part of the Kayes region in Mali and Gombe state in Nigeria. Fortunately the time distribution of September rainfall late in the season was good in these areas.
The timely onset and good distribution of rains for most of the Guinean-Sudanian Zone and for the first rainy season in the Bi-modal Zone, paired with a diversified agriculture made up largely of root and tuber crops, will allow for an average to above average production this season with localized areas of below average production, particularly in west-central parts of Nigeria.
