Chad Bans Crop Exports Amid Drought-Induced Food Shortages
Chad is taking drastic measures to mitigate the impact of drought on its agricultural sector. The government has lifted import duties on certain grains and banned exports of other crops to prevent food shortages.
The country's central, eastern, and northern regions have been hit hardest by the drought, which damaged harvests between July and mid-August. According to the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization, repeated dry spells during this period raised concerns about crop development and yields.
The government has also announced plans to help farmers grow off-season crops in irrigated areas, as part of efforts to prevent famine in certain regions. 'This is the only way to prevent famine,' said Keda Ballah, Chad's minister of agricultural production and industrialization.