Republic of Chad

The Republic of CHAD is a landlocked country in the Sahel region of Africa. The country is divided into three regions: desert (the Sahara) in the north, occupying 40% of the total area; plains in the central part, used mainly for grazing; and fertile lands in the south that are more tropical and in which most of the population lives. Agriculture is a dominant force in the economy at 38% of GDP in 1998,with 85% of the population engaged in agricultural activities. Arable land, however, is only 3% of the total.

General information

• GNI per capita PPP$, 2000: 870
• Internal renewable water resources: 15 km³
  Incoming water flow: 28 km³
• Main food consumed: millet and sorghum, roots and tubers, nuts, oil and fat, sugar and honey
• Rice consumption, 1999: 10.6 kg milled rice per person per year

Production constraints
National rice yields during 1995-2000 were among the world's lowest. The following are the major constraints to sustainable rice production in Chad:

• Low temperature during the off-season in irrigated areas
• Recurrent drought and flood in rainfed lowland areas
• Lack of input supplies: improved seeds, fertilizer, and credit
• Lack of small farm equipment, especially for postharvest operations
• Lack of effective farmer organizations and cooperatives
• Poor maintenance of irrigation facilities
• Poor road networks and marketing systems
• Weak research and extension support

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