CLIMATE VARIABILITY AND CHANGE IN SOUTHERN MALI: LEARNING FROM FARMER PERCEPTIONS AND ON-FARM TRIALS

2015 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 615-634 ◽  
Author(s):  
BOUBA TRAORE ◽  
MARK T. VAN WIJK ◽  
KATRIEN DESCHEEMAEKER ◽  
MARC CORBEELS ◽  
MARIANA C. RUFINO ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Variability ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Pennisetum Glaucum ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Rainfall Variability ◽  
Mineral Fertilizer ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Climate Variability And Change ◽  
Gross Margin ◽  
On Farm

SUMMARYAgricultural production in the Sudano–Sahelian zone of west Africa is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate variability and climate change. The present study aimed to understand farmers’ perceptions of climate variability and change and to evaluate adaptation options together with farmers, including tactical management of planting date in combination with the use of mineral fertilizer. Farmers perceived an increase in annual rainfall variability, an increase in the occurrence of dry spells during the rainy season, and an increase in temperature. Overall, this is in line with the observed meteorological data. Drought tolerant, short maturing crop varieties and appropriate planting dates were the commonly preferred adaptation strategies to deal with climate variability. On-farm trials confirmed that planting delays significantly reduce crop yields. The use of mineral fertilizer is often promoted, but risky for smallholders: although larger fertilizer applications increased the yield of maize (Zea mays) and millet (Pennisetum glaucum) significantly, a gross margin analysis indicated that it did not lead to more profit for all farmers. We conclude that integrating management of nutrients and planting time with improved farmer access to timely weather information, especially on the onset of the rains, is critical to enhancing adaptive capacity to increased climate variability and change.

scholarly journals Farmers’ Perceptions on Climate Variability and Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change in Cinzana, Mali

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Touré Halimatou ◽  
Zampaligre Nouhoun ◽  
Traoré Kalifa ◽  
Kyei-Baffour Nicholas
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Climate Variability ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Rainfall Variability ◽  
Adaptation Strategies ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Future Economic Development

Several studies predict that climate change will highly affect the African continent. These changes in climate and climate variability may be challenging issues for future economic development of the continent in general, and particularly in the region of sub Saharan Africa. Offering a case study of Sahelian zone of Mali in the present study aimed to understand farmers’ perceptions of climate variability and change and to evaluate adaptation options used by farmers in the Cinzana commune of Mali. One hundred and nineteen farmers were interviewed using a questionnaire designed with six sections. The result showed that all farmers interviewed were aware of climate change and climate variability. The Farmers perceived a decrease in annual rainfall variability and an increase of temperature as main factors of climate change and climate variability. The observed meteorological data, showed a decrease of precipitation distribution during the last 14 years of which was observed by farmers. Several strategies such as selling animals, use of improved crop varieties, new activities (outside agriculture) and credit were the commonly preferred adaptation strategies to deal with climate change and variability. Factors surveyed, age, gender, education, household size, farm size were found to be significantly correlated to self-reported to adaptation.

scholarly journals Climate Variability Since 1970 and Farmers’ Observations in Northern Ghana

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Nyadzi
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Climate Variability ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Climate Variability And Change ◽  
Urban Centers ◽  
Access To Credit

<p>The study examines how farmers’ observations of climate variability and change correspond with 42 years (1970-2011) meteorological data of temperature and rainfall. It shows how farmers in the Northern Region of Ghana adjust to the changing climate and explore the various obstacles that hinder the implementation of their adaptation strategies. With the help of an extension officer, 200 farmers from 20 communities were randomly selected based on their farming records. Temperatures over the last four decades (1970-2009) increased at a rate of 0.04 (± 0.41) ˚C and 0.3(± 0.13)˚C from 2010-2011 which is consistent to the farmers (82.5%) observations. Rainfall within the districts are characterised by inter-annual and monthly variability. It experienced an increased rate of 0.66 (± 8.30) mm from 1970-2009, which was inconsistent with the farmers (81.5%) observation. It however decreased from 2010-2011 at a huge rate of -22.49 (±15.90) mm which probably was the reason majority of the respondents claim rainfall was decreasing. Only 64.5% of the respondents had adjusted their farming activities because of climate variability and change. They apply fertilizers and pesticides, practice soil and water conservation, and irrigation for communities close to dams. Respondents desire to continue their current adaptation methods but may in the future consider changing crop variety, water-harvesting techniques, change crop production to livestock keeping, and possibly migrate to urban centers. Lack of climate change education, low access to credit and agricultural inputs are some militating factors crippling the farmers’ effort to adapt to climate change.</p>

scholarly journals Rainfall Variability across the Agro-Climatic Zones of a Tropical Highland: The Case of the Jema Watershed, Northwestern Ethiopia

Environments ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (11) ◽  
pp. 118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taye ◽  
Simane ◽  
Zaitchik ◽  
Selassie ◽  
Setegn
Keyword(s):  
Climate Variability ◽  
Coefficient Of Variation ◽  
Rainfall Variability ◽  
Arithmetic Functions ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Daily Minimum Temperature ◽  
Daily Maximum Temperature ◽  
Climatic Zones ◽  
Climate Indicators

The objective of the study was to analyze the variability of various climate indicators across the agro-climatic zones (ACZs) of the Jema watershed. The variability was analyzed considering mean annual rainfall (MARF, mm), mean daily minimum temperature (MDMinT, °C), and mean daily maximum temperature (MDMaxT, °C). A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to test whether group mean differences exist in the values of the indicated climatic indicators among the ACZs of the watershed. The coefficient of variation was computed to analyze the degree of climate variability among the ACZs. Rainfall and temperature data sets from 1983 to 2017 were obtained from nearby meteorological stations. The effect of climate variability in the farming system was assessed with reference to local farmers’ experience. Ultimately, the values of the stated indicators of exposure to climate variability were indexed (standardized) in order to run arithmetic functions. The MARF decreases towards sub-alpine ACZs. Based on the result of the ANOVA, the two-tailed p-value (≤ 0.04) was less than 0.05; that is, there was a significant variation in MARF, MDMaxT (°C), and MDMinT (°C) among the ACZs. The coefficient of variation showed the presence of variations of 0.18–0.88 for MARF, 0.18 to 0.85 for MDMaxT, and 0.02–0.95 for MDMinT across the ACZs. In all of the indicators of exposure to climate variability, the lowest and highest indexed values of coefficient of variation were observed in the moist–cool and sub-alpine ACZs, respectively. Overall, the aggregate indexed values of exposure to various climate indicators ranged from 0.13–0.89 across the ACZs. The level of exposure to climate variability increased when moving from moist–cool to sub-alpine ACZs. The overall crop diversity declined across the ACZs of the watershed. Nevertheless, mainly because of the rise in temperature, the climate became suitable for cultivating maize and tef even at higher elevations. In order to adapt to the inter-annual variability of the rainy season, the process of adapting early-maturing crops and the use of improved seeds needs to be enhanced in the watershed, especially in the higher-elevation zones. It is also essential to revise traditional crop calendars and crop zones across the ACSz.

scholarly journals Climate Variability and Change, Impacts and Adaptation Strategies in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State, Nigeria

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abaje, I. B. ◽  
Sawa, B. A. ◽  
Ati, O. F.
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Climate Variability ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Scientific Basis ◽  
Adaptation Strategies ◽  
Local Government Area ◽  
Local People ◽  
Extreme Weather Events ◽  
Climate Variability And Change ◽  
Water Shortages

This paper aimed at examining local peoples’ perceptions on climate variability and change and strategies adopted in combating the impacts of the changes in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State. A total of 242 questionnaires were administered to households’ heads in the eleven wards of the Local Government Area. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, percentage and mean scores were used in data analysis. The result revealed that majority of the local people have a very good knowledge of climate variability and change in terms of higher temperature, higher rainfall intensity and variability, and the occurrence of extreme weather events such as flood and drought. Findings also revealed that community disobeying God, deforestation, bush burning, combustion of fossil fuel and pollution were the major causes of climate variability and change as perceived by the respondents. The most significant impacts of climate variability and change as perceived by the local people were decline in crop yields, decline in forest resources, water shortages and decrease in soil fertility. These impacts have resulted to rural-urban migration in the area. Sustainable adaptation strategies adopted by the local people are water harvesting, the use of fertilizer/animals dung to improve crop yield, irrigation agriculture, planting of crop varieties and drought resistant crops. It is recommended that strategies for combating impacts of climate variability and change should take into account the traditional and religious beliefs of the people; and there is need to educate the local people to appreciate the scientific basis of climate variability and change.

Climate Variability and peasant agriculture in Kélo in the south of Chad

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 16-30
Author(s):  
Abdoulay Mfewou ◽  
Julius Tata ◽  
Paul Nadji
Keyword(s):  
Climate Variability ◽  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Cultivated Plants ◽  
Rainfall Regime ◽  
Important Place

With its Sahelian climate, Chad presents climatic parameters which have a very negative impact on its agricultural productivity. Faced with this natural problem for peasant society, political decision-makers do little to support local adaptation mechanisms. The study in Kélo, southern Chad, (606.9 mm; 28.9 ° C) was carried out for five months. The survey was conducted with 140 heads of households randomly chosen from this area to collect information relating to the damage caused by climatic vagaries on the yields of cultivated plants and the analysis of meteorological data collected at the Kélo station by l 'Chad Institute of Agronomic Research for Development (ITRAD) on climate variability which shows the irregularities of the rains at their beginnings and / or at their ends, the shortening of the rainy season and, a slight rise in temperature. These rainfall irregularities, the main crops are experiencing yield reductions of the order of 70¨% of the average, approximately: 20-25 bags of paddy per hectare against 7-12 bags of paddy for rice, 4-5 bags / ha against 2-3 bags / ha for sorghum and pearl millet, 10-13 bags / ha against 6-9 bags / ha for peanuts, 600-900 kg / ha against 250-600 kg for cotton, etc. . In 2018, rainfall over time shows linear correlations established between cereal and cotton yields on the one hand, and those of annual rainfall on the other. The result also shows that there are no explicit linear relationships between these variables. This shows that, mere knowledge of the rainfall regime is not enough to explain the decline in agricultural production; because poor agricultural production can result from both poor and surplus water conditions and / or poor distribution of rains. It is recorded that food production per capita also decreases; this decline occupies a very important place in all policies of local development projects but weakly applied by rural decision-makers. Consequently, there is recurrent food insecurity, putting the farmer in a dependency on assistantship from outside the region.

scholarly journals Persistent decadal-scale rainfall variability in the tropical South Pacific Convergence Zone through the past six centuries

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 1319-1332 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. R. Maupin ◽  
J. W. Partin ◽  
C.-C. Shen ◽  
T. M. Quinn ◽  
K. Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Variability ◽  
Decadal Variability ◽  
Solomon Islands ◽  
Rainfall Variability ◽  
South Pacific ◽  
Rainfall Amount ◽  
South Pacific Convergence Zone ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Convergence Zone ◽  
Decadal Scale

Abstract. Modern Pacific decadal variability (PDV) has global impacts; hence records of PDV from the pre-instrumental period are needed to better inform models that are used to project future climate variability. We focus here on reconstructing rainfall in the western tropical Pacific (Solomon Islands; ~ 9.5° S, ~160° E), a region directly influenced by PDV, using cave deposits (stalagmite). A relationship is developed between δ18O variations in the stalagmite and local rainfall amount to produce a 600 yr record of rainfall variability from the South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ). We present evidence for large (~1.5 m), abrupt, and periodic changes in total annual rainfall amount on decadal to multidecadal timescales since 1423 ± 5 CE (Common Era) in the Solomon Islands. The timing of the decadal changes in rainfall inferred from the 20th century portion of the stalagmite δ18O record coincides with previously identified decadal shifts in PDV-related Pacific ocean–atmosphere behavior (Clement et al., 2011; Deser et al., 2004). The Solomons record of PDV is not associated with variations in external forcings, but rather results from internal climate variability. The 600 yr Solomon Islands stalagmite δ18O record indicates that decadal oscillations in rainfall are a persistent characteristic of SPCZ-related climate variability.

scholarly journals Introduction: food crops in a changing climate

2005 ◽  
Vol 360 (1463) ◽  
pp. 1983-1989 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia M Slingo ◽  
Andrew J Challinor ◽  
Brian J Hoskins ◽  
Timothy R Wheeler
Keyword(s):  
Climate Variability ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Food Crops ◽  
Climate Variability And Change ◽  
Regional Impacts ◽  
Complex Models ◽  
The Impact

Changes in both the mean and the variability of climate, whether naturally forced, or due to human activities, pose a threat to crop production globally. This paper summarizes discussions of this issue at a meeting of the Royal Society in April 2005. Recent advances in understanding the sensitivity of crops to weather, climate and the levels of particular gases in the atmosphere indicate that the impact of these factors on crop yields and quality may be more severe than previously thought. There is increasing information on the importance to crop yields of extremes of temperature and rainfall at key stages of crop development. Agriculture will itself impact on the climate system and a greater understanding of these feedbacks is needed. Complex models are required to perform simulations of climate variability and change, together with predictions of how crops will respond to different climate variables. Variability of climate, such as that associated with El Niño events, has large impacts on crop production. If skilful predictions of the probability of such events occurring can be made a season or more in advance, then agricultural and other societal responses can be made. The development of strategies to adapt to variations in the current climate may also build resilience to changes in future climate. Africa will be the part of the world that is most vulnerable to climate variability and change, but knowledge of how to use climate information and the regional impacts of climate variability and change in Africa is rudimentary. In order to develop appropriate adaptation strategies globally, predictions about changes in the quantity and quality of food crops need to be considered in the context of the entire food chain from production to distribution, access and utilization. Recommendations for future research priorities are given.

Constraints and opportunities in applying seasonal climate forecasts in agriculture

2007 ◽  
Vol 58 (10) ◽  
pp. 952 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Ash ◽  
Peter McIntosh ◽  
Brendan Cullen ◽  
Peter Carberry ◽  
Mark Stafford Smith
Keyword(s):  
Climate Variability ◽  
Rainfall Variability ◽  
Rural Livelihoods ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Seasonal Climate ◽  
Communication Techniques ◽  
Climate Forecasts ◽  
The Face ◽  
Seasonal Climate Forecasts

Climate variability has an enormous impact on agricultural productivity, rural livelihoods, and economics at farm, regional, and national scales. An every-day challenge facing farmers is to make management decisions in the face of this climate variability. Being able to minimise losses in droughts and take advantage of favourable seasons is the promise of seasonal climate forecasts. The criteria for their adoption depends on what variables are forecast, their accuracy, the likely economic and/or natural resource benefits and how well they are communicated. In reviewing how current seasonal climate forecasts meet these criteria, it is clear that they offer considerable potential to buffer the effects of climate variability in agriculture, particularly in regions that have high levels of inter-annual rainfall variability and are strongly influenced by El Niño and La Niña events. However, the current skill, lead time, relevance to agricultural decisions, and communication techniques are not well enough advanced and/or integrated to lead to widespread confidence and adoption by farmers. The current challenges are to continue to improve forecast reliability and to better communicate the probabilistic outputs of seasonal climate forecasts to decision makers.

scholarly journals ARENIZAÇÃO NO BRASIL:

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 01-11
Author(s):  
Ivamauro Ailton de Sousa Silva ◽  
Dirce Maria Antunes Suertegaray
Keyword(s):  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Rainfall Variability ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Distribution Characteristics ◽  
Thematic Maps ◽  
Rainfall Distribution ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Average Annual Rainfall ◽  
Different Climates ◽  
Meteorological Institute

A finalidade desta pesquisa é caracterizar e comparar a dinâmica pluviométrica das áreas de ocorrência do processo de arenização no território brasileiro. Os estudos sobre arenização aqui registrados, situam-se nos munícipios de Quaraí (RS), Paranavaí (PR), Itirapina (SP), Buritizeiro (MG), Serranópolis (GO), Gilbués (PI), Reserva do Cabaçal (MT) e Manaus (AM). Na perspectiva climática, o artigo realiza um comparativo dessas áreas, evidenciando as características acerca do regime e distribuição pluvial. Para isso, a pesquisa foi constituída através de revisão bibliográfica, elaboração de mapas temáticos, coleta e análise de dados meteorológicos disponibilizados pelo Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia, para 8 estações representativas das diferentes localidades com ocorrência de arenização. Como resultados, o trabalho revela as seguintes asserções: a) considerando a tipologia climática brasileira, o processo de arenização pode ocorrer sob diferentes climas; subtropical, tropical subúmido e equatorial; b) a pluviometria é variável durante o ano para as diferentes localidades; c) a pluviosidade média anual, em todas as áreas analisadas, é superior a 1.100 mm; d) períodos de estiagem são comuns nas áreas com clima tropical subúmido. Palavras-chave: Arenização, Variabilidade Pluviométrica, Espacialização. Abstract The aim of the present study is to characterize and compare the rainfall dynamics of occurrence areas concerning arenization processes throughout the Brazilian territory. Arenization studies registered in the country are located in the municipalities of Quaraí (RS), Paranavaí (PR), Itirapina (SP), Buritizeiro (MG), Serranópolis (GO), Gilbués (PI), Cabaçal Manaus (AM). Concerning a climatic perspective, this study carried out comparisons between these areas, evidencing regime and rainfall distribution characteristics. The research comprised a bibliographical revision, the elaboration of thematic maps and the collection and analysis of meteorological data made available by the National Meteorological Institute, for 8 representative stations of the different localities where arenization is detected. The study results reveal the following investigations: a) considering Brazilian climatic typology, arenization processes can occur under different climates, subtropical, tropical subhumid and equatorial; b) rainfall is variable throughout the year for the different localities; c) the average annual rainfall in all analyzed areas is over 1,100 mm; d) drought periods are common in areas presenting a subhumid tropical climate. Keywords: Arenization, Rainfall Variability, Comparisons.

scholarly journals Climate Variability and Change Affect Crops Yield under Rainfed Conditions: A Case Study in Gedaref State, Sudan

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 1680
Author(s):  
Maysoon A. A. Osman ◽  
Joshua Orungo Onono ◽  
Lydia A. Olaka ◽  
Muna M. Elhag ◽  
Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Linear Regression ◽  
Climate Variability ◽  
Crop Yield ◽  
Rainy Season ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Simple Linear Regression ◽  
Climate Variability And Change ◽  
Crops Yield ◽  
The Impact

It is projected that, on average, annual temperature will increase between 2 °C to 6 °C under high emission scenarios by the end of the 21st century, with serious consequences in food and nutrition security, especially within semi-arid regions of sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to investigate the impact of historical long-term climate (temperature and rainfall) variables on the yield of five major crops viz., sorghum, sesame, cotton, sunflower, and millet in Gedaref state, Sudan over the last 35 years. Mann–Kendall trend analysis was used to determine the existing positive or negative trends in temperature and rainfall, while simple linear regression was used to assess trends in crop yield over time. The first difference approach was used to remove the effect of non-climatic factors on crop yield. On the other hand, the standardized anomaly index was calculated to assess the variability in both rainfall and temperature over the study period (i.e., 35 years). Correlation and multiple linear regression (MLR) analyses were employed to determine the relationships between climatic variables and crops yield. Similarly, a simple linear regression was used to determine the relationship between the length of the rainy season and crop yield. The results showed that the annual maximum temperature (Tmax) increased by 0.03 °C per year between the years 1984 and 2018, while the minimum temperature (Tmin) increased by 0.05 °C per year, leading to a narrow range in diurnal temperature (DTR). In contrast, annual rainfall fluctuated with no evidence of a significant (p > 0.05) increasing or decreasing trend. The yields for all selected crops were negatively correlated with Tmin, Tmax (r ranged between −0.09 and −0.76), and DTR (r ranged between −0.10 and −0.70). However, the annual rainfall had a strong positive correlation with yield of sorghum (r = 0.64), sesame (r = 0.58), and sunflower (r = 0.75). Furthermore, the results showed that a longer rainy season had significant (p < 0.05) direct relationships with the yield of most crops, while Tmax, Tmin, DTR, and amount of rainfall explained more than 50% of the variability in the yield of sorghum (R2 = 0.70), sunflower (R2 = 0.61), and millet (R2 = 0.54). Our results call for increased awareness among different stakeholders and policymakers on the impact of climate change on crop yield, and the need to upscale adaptation measures to mitigate the negative impacts of climate variability and change.

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