Reference Date: 08-March-2016

Irregular rains caused significant decline in 2015 cereal output

Harvesting of the 2015 cereal crops was completed in November. During the 2015‑2016 cropping season, the Government and its partners strengthened their support to agricultural producers through the provision of various inputs, including fertilizers, seeds, pesticides and agricultural equipment. However, most parts of the country witnessed a late start of the raining season followed by poor distribution of rains. As a result, the 2015 aggregate cereal production is estimated at some 2.43 million tonnes, 12 percent below the previous year’s output and 10 percent below average. However, the pasture regeneration and water points’ level in pastoral areas of the country were reported to be adequate, with the exception of Ouaddai, Wadi Fira, Batha, Beg, Kanem and Lac regions.

An above-average crop was gathered in 2014. Aggregate cereal production was estimated at about 2.7 million tonnes, 5 percent above the previous year’s output and 12 percent above average.

Coarse grain prices have been mostly stable throughout 2015 reflecting adequate supplies from the previous year’s harvest.

Food security affected by civil insecurity in neighbouring countries

Chad hosts a large number of refugees due to the continuing civil conflict in neighbouring countries: Central African Republic, Libya, Nigeria and the Sudan. According to OCHA, as of end‑January 2016, about 45 000 people have been internally displaced due to persisting civil insecurity. Overall, over 373 000 refugees are estimated to be currently living in Chad, while about 100 000 Chadians have returned to the country. As a result of these various factors, over 447 000 people were estimated to be in need of food assistance according to the last “Cadre Harmonisé” analysis.