Attachments
FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT
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Early official estimates point to above average harvest for 2016 cropping season
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Maize prices on decline, reflecting increased supplies countrywide
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Large number of people continue to face chronic food insecurity and malnutrition
Above average harvest gathered in 2016
Harvesting of the 2016 second season maize crop was completed in January in the South. In the North, which has only one rainy season, harvesting of coarse grains was completed in November. The season was characterized by a late start of the rainy season in the South. However, precipitation improved significantly from April over the main producing areas, thus replenishing water reserves and providing relief to stressed crops. Compared to 2015, cumulative rainfall was generally better in almost all regions except the Maritime Region. In addition, the Government provided 44 197 tonnes of fertilizers at subsidized prices. According to preliminary estimates by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Hydraulics, the 2016 aggregate cereal production will be at about 1.25 million tonnes, 2 percent above the previous year’s output and almost 4 percent above the five-year average. Production of maize, the main staple cereal, is estimated at about 827 000 tonnes, nearly 4 percent above the previous year’s level of production.
Maize prices on the decline
Harvesting of the 2016 first season maize crop has put significant downward pressure on prices. In Anie and Kara, maize prices declined by about 23 percent between September and December 2016. Prices remained well below their year-earlier levels in most markets. The good harvests should lower prices further in the coming months.
Substantial sections of population continue to be exposed to chronic food insecurity
Large numbers of people continue to be exposed to chronic food insecurity and malnutrition, notably in the northern part of the country. The north of Togo includes the poorest zones where malnutrition levels are the highest. About 25 000 people were estimated to be in Phase 3: “Crisis” and above according to the latest analysis of the Cadre Harmonisé (Harmonized Framework) conducted in the country.