The main 2010/11 harvest and current off-season production was very good for the third consecutive year in Senegal. As a result, the domestic food availability has increased and food supply in rural and urban markets is adequate. From 2007 to 2010 domestic rice production has increased by 200 percent at the same moment rice import volumes decreased by 64 percent. For traditional cereals such as millet, sorghum, and maize, prices in March 2011 are near the same level as March 2010 and the five-year average. Rice prices continue to be high, but are following their seasonal patterns. In March 2011, local rice prices are 17 percent higher than their levels in 2010 and nine percent higher than the fiver-year average. The volume of cereal grain and pulses trade in local markets has increased from previous months and currently reaching the peak level. This is providing an important source of income for most rural households. As rice is the most important food staple, Government of Senegal is taking measurement to keep import rice price increases at a minimum. So far no success has been seen as price increases largely reflect international market trends in food and fuel prices and transportation costs.
The stability of coarse grain prices and a good level of supply in major consumption markets for cereals (with exception of maize), pulses, and livestock from Mali and Mauritania should help meet the country’s domestic consumption needs. As the main harvest comes to conclusion, post harvest processing activities are intensifying as the off-season planting and harvesting commence along the major rivers (Senegal, Gambia, Faleme) and peri-urban areas, helping households to make-up their revenues in order to settle debts and other unmet household needs. Most poor households will employ a variety of coping strategies to maintain their well being and preserve their existing assets, including labor migration. As long-term migration is very well developed in Senegal, particularly through the region of Senegal river valley, it helps medium and riches households to meet their consumption need and provides substantial additional resources and opportunities for poor households who are engaged in a range of seasonal labor activities in both urban and rural areas. For most households, access to cereals is expected to be satisfactory and normal in 2011. Overall food security conditions are above normal and will remain satisfactory across the country through June 2011. (April, 2011)