3. - usaid

SENEGAL
LOCATION:
Casamance
Goverrnnent of Senegal officials first expmssed concern over possible food
emergencies in August 1968 as a result of sparse rainfall over most of
the country. Particularly hard hit at that the was the important rice
growing area of Casamance. While the situation then was not considered
critical it was becoming disturbing and by September there were marked
adverse effects on both upland and swamp rice. Abundant rains the latter
part of September raised hopes that the effects of the drought might be
reduced, but by early 1969 it was evident that it had caused a serious food
shortage. Casmce rice crops wem estimated to be half what they had
been the previous year. Peace Corps Volunteers, USAID and Embassy officers,
and Catholic Relief Services representatives who had traveled throw the
country reported the food situation was quite desperate in sane regions.
?he seriousness of the emrgency varied from north to south of the country,
with pockets of average crop output amidst areas of canp:lete crop failm.
Reduced output of peanuts resulted in lower incanes for peasant farmers and
less ability to purchase mmhing supply of food. The output of millet,
sorghum, cawpeas and corn was expected to be about 462,000 metric tons
campared with 720,000 metric tms average f'ran 1964 to 1967.
ACI'ION TAKEN BY THE GO-
OF SENEGAL
In January, 1969 a census was made of villages affected by the drought.
The Government asked the World Food Program and Catholic Relief Services
to incmase their food assistance. The GOS guaranteed in a letter to CRS
that all internal transportation and handling charges would be paid by the
GOS, estimated at 200 million CFA (equivalent $813,000).