Survival in the Sahel

5.7 Millet and sorghum: supply and demand
Supply
As with all cereals, the millet and sorghum supply is a
function of the size of the area under cultivation, the use of
agricultural implements and inputs, the intensity of tillage and
cultivation techniques, and agroecological conditions (such as soil
fertility, rainfall, insect pests, and plant diseases). Producer prices
are another very important factor in determining supply.
Over the years, millet production in Mali has been erratic.
The average annual production of 461,000 tons in 1979-81 rose to
890,000 in 1991, but sank to 691,000 tons in 1993. Sorghum production
reached 694,000 tons in 1993, which is double the annual
average in the late 1970s (341,000 tons in 1979-81)?A Current
projections do nct foresee any spectacular improvements in either
total production or productivity in the coming years.
Since the 1973 drought, food imports have made up a
substantial part of Mali's cereals consumption. Rice and wheat
account for about 70 percent of the grain imports. We have already
noted above that this great dependence on imports is due to a
combination of erratic rainfall, traditional cultivation methods,
continuing environmental degradation, unattractive producer
prices, high population growth rates, and neglect of rural development.
Fundamental improvement will be possible only if structural
change affects several crucial factors in the supply situation.
Demand
The demand for food crops such as millet and sorghum
depends to a great extent on a country's dietary habits and disposable
income. The current population growth far exceeds current
production capacity.
In Mali cereals supply about 70 percent of the total caloric
intake in the diet. Millet, maize, and sorghum account for 85
percent of the caloric intake from cereals, while rice supplies the
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