Agricultural campaign in Kédougou: rainfall is insufficient, vigilance remains necessary

The 2026-2027 agricultural season continues in a context of overall rainfall deficit in the Kédougou region. According to the weekly campaign monitoring report No. 15, as of September 16, 2026, eleven of the fifteen monitored rainfall stations show total rainfall lower than that recorded during the same period in 2025. Despite this situation, crops are generally developing satisfactorily, although the fall armyworm has appeared on the maize.

The rainfall situation remains worrying in several areas of the Kédougou region. As of September 16, 11 of the 15 monitored stations recorded rainfall totals lower than last year, confirming a trend towards a rainfall deficit.

The largest deviations from 2025 are recorded in Fongolimbi (-361.2 mm), Laminiya (-294.7 mm), Kédougou Agri (-235.6 mm), Kédougou météo (-205.2 mm) and Missirah Sirimana (-180.5 mm).

Conversely, some localities benefited from more favorable rainfall. Ethiolo recorded a surplus of 226 mm, followed by Salémata (+147.5 mm), Dakately (+144.4 mm) and Oubadji (+10.3 mm) compared to the same period in 2025.

A deficit also marked compared to normal

Comparison with the reference rainfall normal, established over the period 1991-2020, also confirms an overall deficit situation.

With the exception of Salémata (+117.3 mm) and Ethiolo (+105.8 mm), all other monitored stations show negative variations. These range from -21.8 mm in Saraya to -363.7 mm in Sabodala.

This disparity reflects a particularly heterogeneous rainfall situation across the region. According to the report, it necessitates increased vigilance regarding the risk of water shortages and careful planning of agricultural activities in the coming weeks.

Cultures continue to evolve

Despite rainfall deficits recorded in several areas, field observations indicate an overall dynamic development of crops.

The first waves of maize and peanut planting have reached generative stages, including heading and flowering for maize, and pod formation and filling for peanuts.

The other waves of sowing, as well as the crops of fonio, rice, sorghum and cotton, are mainly in the growth and vegetative development stages.

On the ground, producers continue their plot maintenance operations. Manual and mechanical weeding, fertilizer spreading and herbicide treatments are regularly carried out to promote crop development and limit the risks associated with weeds and pests.

The fall armyworm is being closely monitored.

From a phytosanitary point of view, the main alert concerns the presence of the fall armyworm (FAW) on maize crops.

Attacks have been reported, particularly in the departments of Kédougou, Salémata, and Saraya. For the time being, the damage is considered moderate, and the situation is being monitored by phytosanitary experts.

Agricultural services remain mobilized to monitor the evolution of the pest and prevent any possible worsening of the damage.

Overall, the 2026-2027 agricultural season is progressing in Kédougou amidst a mixed picture: significant rainfall deficits in several areas, some pockets of surplus, but also crops that are continuing their normal development. Rainfall patterns in the coming weeks will be crucial for the rest of the season.