Chad: N’Djamena bans grain exports following drought

The ban was announced by the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Guibolo Fanga Mathieu. It also includes certain products derived from the affected grains. However, sesame, peanuts, and fiber cotton remain permitted for export, according to provisions made public on Wednesday.

In a separate decree, the Minister of State for Finance, Tahir Hamid Nguilin, exempted wheat, corn, millet, rice, certain flours and semolinas, as well as livestock feed and equipment intended for drilling, pumping, and agricultural production from import duties and taxes. This regulation took effect immediately upon signing.

The Minister of Agricultural Production and Industrialization, Keda Ballah, informed Reuters that the central, eastern, and northern regions have been the hardest hit by the drought. Authorities plan to support off-season crops in irrigated areas to mitigate the risk of food shortages.

Already high food pressure

This decision comes amid a context of significant food vulnerability. The World Food Programme reported on September 8 that 3.5 million people in Chad are facing severe food insecurity, while the country hosts approximately 1.5 million refugees, nearly 945,000 of whom have fled the conflict in Sudan since April 2023.

On the ground, the effects of the drought are already visible in some agricultural and pastoral areas. A producer from the Chari-Baguirmi province told Reuters he has lost 12 hectares of corn, while a herder from Mayo-Kebbi Ouest described the drying up of waterways and ponds typically used for livestock at this time of year.

The government has concurrently instructed the customs administration to immediately implement the exemptions decided upon for the affected imports. The Ministry of Commerce’s decree also outlines penalties for those who violate the export ban, in accordance with existing laws and regulations.