In its February bulletin titled “Global Prospects for North Africa,” the MARS agency highlights the substantial decrease in grain crop yields in North African countries attributed to dry weather conditions.
Impact of Drought Across North Africa
Morocco
- Productivity in most agricultural regions falls significantly below average, with minimal prospects for crop recovery.
- Cereals are currently in an active developmental stage.
Algeria
- Prolonged drought has led to delayed planting, particularly affecting western areas irreversibly, while the east and center witness a rapid vegetation recovery.
Tunisia
- Autumn drought delayed sowing by 20-30 days; however, crops have swiftly recuperated, nearing average biomass levels.
- Presently, plants are in the late stages of vegetation.
Libya
- Despite sowing delays in north-western regions, weather conditions have been favorable or satisfactory for plant growth.
- Cereal crops are now approaching the flowering phase.
Egypt
- Nearly all grain-growing regions are in the flowering phase, with accumulated biomass exceeding average levels.
- Favorable weather conditions and extensive irrigated arable land contribute to this growth.
Cereal Yield Projections
MARS forecasts
- Morocco and Algeria are expected to see cereal yields 15-19% lower than the 5-year average.
- Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt may experience cereal yields ranging from -3% to +3% compared to the 5-year average.
The bulletin underscores the necessity for adaptive measures in light of these projections to mitigate the impact of reduced productivity on agricultural economies in the region.
For improved website design , harvest information , statistics , please subscribe CMBroker