Maize yield prospects are favourable for most West African countries this year, with above average output anticipated in the main growing areas in Central African Republic, Nigeria, Benin, Ivory Cost, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea.
The maize yield is forecasted to be less favourable in Western Burkina Faso, an important crop production area for West Africa. The affected provinces in Burkina Faso are Bougouriba, Boulkiemde, Houet, Mou Houn, Poni, Sanguie Sissili and Sourou. Also some areas in Koulikoro province in Mali are affected but the province forecast of Koulikoro is still positive (+ 0.4%).
Yield forecasts for Nigeria are very good with surpluses of 4% to 5% relative to the previous 5 years but with less favourable prospects in the provinces Jigawa, Kano, Oyo and Yobe.
A critical area is Northern Ghana where the Upper-East and Upper-West provinces show yield reductions of 5% to 6%.
EARS
