Analysis of the Superposition of Meteorological Data and Maize (Zea Mays) Planting Periods in Order to Reduce Production Losses Due to Climate Change in the Dry Savannah Zone of Togo

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to determine the impacts of climate change on planting periods in the dry Savannah of Togo. To attend this goal, a survey was conducted among 47 maize producers, 23 of whom were in the Kara region and 24 in the Savannah region. The information collected is supplemented by the recommended planting periods in Togo. Also, rainfall data over a period of at least 30 years were processed by Instat+ and R software. The superposition of results obtained in the field and meteorological data shows that in the Kara region, maize planting period starts within the recommended periods and encounters periods of up to 15 days of drought. In the savannah region, however, sowing is done 30 days after the recommended period. In both regions, 30% of the producers surveyed did resow because of the sudden interruption in rainfall. More than 60% of the producers surveyed experienced dry spells of 10 to 15 days during the growth stages of the crop. Resowing certified maize seed costs at least 110,600 f CFA/ha. Yield losses due to spells of drought in the dry savannah area can reach 2 t/ha, representing a financial loss of 500,000 f CFA/ha. Faced with these losses, supplemental irrigation techniques could reduce the effects of climate change on the crop.