2026-2027 agricultural season: seeds and fertilizers readily available, but rainfall is a cause for concern in Kédougou

In Kédougou, the 2026-2027 agricultural season is progressing at a generally satisfactory pace, despite mixed rainfall. The availability of key inputs is considered encouraging, while agricultural services remain vigilant in light of rainfall deficits recorded in several areas and the appearance of fall armyworm on maize.

The 2026-2027 agricultural season continues in a mixed context in the Kédougou region. According to weekly monitoring report no. 10, covering the period from August 6 to 12, 2026, seed and fertilizer distribution operations are generally satisfactory. However, rainfall remains a concern in several areas.

Peanuts: more than 466 tonnes of seeds received

For peanuts, the results are particularly encouraging. Of the 485 tonnes of certified seeds of the 73-33 (R2) variety planned, 466.30 tonnes were received, representing a planting rate of 96.14%.

Distribution is also following a good dynamic with 420.60 tonnes already sold, corresponding to a sale rate of 90.20%.

The departments of Saraya and Kédougou show a 100% implementation rate, while Salémata reaches 89%.

Corn: still a limited distribution

The situation is more mixed for other commodities. For corn, 72 tonnes out of the 80 tonnes expected have been received, representing a delivery rate of 90%. However, only 17 tonnes have been sold, resulting in a distribution rate of 22.94%.

Cassava, on the other hand, is showing remarkable performance. The planned needs for 80 hectares have been fully met, representing a 100% implementation rate. Sales have already covered the equivalent of 40 hectares, or 50%.

Rice: variable availability levels

Of the five planned rice varieties, three are currently available in the region: BG 90-2, Sahel 108 and Nerica L19.

The BG 90-2 variety has reached a 50% planting rate, with 4 tonnes received out of the 8 expected. However, the entire quantity has already been sold.

Sahel 108, which represents the largest volume, has 393 tonnes received out of a planned 438.76 tonnes, or 89.57%. However, its distribution remains lower, with 116.80 tonnes sold, or 29.72%.

For Nerica L19, 104 tonnes out of the 118 planned have been received, i.e. 88.14%, while 63.90 tonnes have already been distributed, corresponding to a transfer rate of 61.44%.

The varieties ISRIZ 15 and Nerica 6, for their part, have not recorded any establishment as of the date of the report.

Fertilizers: availability close to total coverage

On the fertilizer side, the indicators are particularly favorable.

The 6-20-10 formula shows 100% implementation, with all 294 tonnes planned having been received. Of this volume, 163.80 tonnes have already been sold, representing 55.71%.

For the 15-15-15 shipment, the scheduled 605 tonnes were also fully received. The sale has already reached 537.20 tonnes, or 88.79%.

Regarding urea 46-00-00, 363 tonnes out of the 378 planned were received, representing 96.03%. Sales amounted to 290.40 tonnes, representing 80%.

120 liters of plant protection products against the fall armyworm

Faced with phytosanitary risks, the technical services have also strengthened the means of combating the fall armyworm.

The Directorate of Plant Protection, through its Phytosanitary Base in Missirah, in the Tambacounda region, has provided each of the three departments of Kédougou with 40 litres of Sultan 480 EC, representing a regional stock of 120 litres.

The department of Salémata also received 50 sachets of Emacot.

Rainfall, the main point of concern

While the availability of inputs is a cause for satisfaction, the rainfall situation calls for more caution.

As of August 12, the majority of the 15 rain gauge stations monitored in the region show total rainfall lower than that recorded at the same time in 2025.

The largest differences were recorded in Fongolimbi (-294.6 mm), Kédougou weather (-205.2 mm) and Ethiolo (-204.5 mm).

However, some localities are exceptions. Salémata shows a surplus of 22.5 mm compared to 2025, compared to 15 mm in Sabodala, while Khossanto shows no difference.

Compared to the 1991-2020 rainfall average, the situation remains mixed. Salémata (+116.7 mm), Saraya (+118.2 mm) and Bembou (+89.5 mm) recorded surpluses.

Conversely, the deficits reached -49.8 mm in Khossanto and up to -262.9 mm in Oubadji.

Agricultural services have noted a late onset of the rainy season, consistent with seasonal forecasts. A break in rainfall was observed in the department of Salémata during the week of July 30th to August 5th.

Cultures are evolving, despite some warning signs.

In the field, the crops are evolving at different phenological stages. The first waves of maize and peanut sowing have already reached the generative stages, while the other waves, as well as fonio, rice, sorghum and cotton, are mainly between the emergence, growth and vegetative development phases.

Maintenance work continues as normal: manual and mechanical weeding, spreading of fertilizers and herbicide treatments.

From a phytosanitary standpoint, the presence of the fall armyworm has been reported on maize in the departments of Saraya and Salémata. However, the damage is considered moderate, and the situation remains under control, according to technical services, thanks to phytosanitary monitoring.

Overall, the 2026-2027 agricultural season shows encouraging momentum in terms of input availability and crop management. However, low rainfall totals in several areas are now the main concern for the remainder of the rainy season.