The Regional Directorate for Rural Development (DRDR) of Kédougou has published its weekly report No. 19 monitoring the 2025-2026 agricultural campaign, covering the period from September 25 to October 1, 2025. The results highlight a contrasting situation, marked both by rainfall deficits in several localities and by floods that damaged cultivated plots. Rainfall down compared to last year

Compared to 2024, the Kédougou region recorded less rainfall at several monitoring stations, including Kédougou Météo, Fongolimbi, Dakatély, and Salémata. The highest deficit reached -135.9 mm at Dakatély.

Compared to the seasonal norm (1991-2020), 7 out of 15 stations show a deficit. However, some stations, including Saraya, Missirah Sirimana, Bandafassi and Médina Baffé, recorded rainfall surpluses. In Saraya, the cumulative rainfall even reached 359.7 mm as of October 1, 2025.

Despite these disparities, seasonal forecasts predict a normal to surplus wintering, which bodes well for agricultural planning.

Crops in the maturity phase

According to the report, four planting cycles have been completed since the beginning of the winter season. The majority of crops are currently between the maturity and harvest stages.

The first post-harvest operations for corn and fonio, including drying and threshing, have already started for the first waves of sowing.

Floods in Saraya Department

Despite an early onset of rains, localized flooding was reported in several villages in the Saraya department, notably in Saroudja, Guémédji, Wassangara, Satadougou and Missirah Dantila.

These floods caused damage to around 50 hectares of crops, mainly corn, rice and peanuts.

A phytosanitary situation under surveillance

In terms of phytosanitary measures, the maize situation has stabilized after the fall armyworm attacks. However, a new threat is weighing on rice, with the reappearance of rice blast in certain areas, notably at farm 1 in Kédougou and in the Sambagara Valley (Afia Pont).

The technicians emphasize the need to strengthen vigilance and phytosanitary control through awareness campaigns and training for producers. They also recommend the urgent provision of treatment products (Pyrical DP) to protect crops.

Mixed outlook

In short, the agricultural season in Kédougou is progressing with encouraging results, but remains weakened by climatic hazards and phytosanitary threats. Regional authorities are calling for rapid mobilization of protective and support resources to secure harvests and limit losses.