Climate Variability in the Sudanian Zone of Côte d’Ivoire: Weather Observations, Perceptions, and Adaptation Strategies of Farmers

Abstract

Located in the extreme north of Côte d’Ivoire, the Sudanian zone is an area where 95% of the population depends on agricultural activities, particularly rain-fed agriculture. Given the serious threats that climate variability poses to food security and household incomes, it is important to understand the evolution of climate variables and their impacts on crops, perceptions, and adaptation measures taken by farmers. To do this, various statistical analyses were conducted using rainfall and temperature data from 1987 to 2018. These analyses were coupled with a survey of 287 farmers. The results showed a strong variability of precipitation marked by the succession of deficit and surplus periods with a return to wetter conditions since 2008. At the same time, an increase in temperature was observed. These phenomena have been perceived by farmers. Thus, to cope with the adverse effects of climate variability, farmers have developed numerous adaptation strategies that include the use of organic manure, agroforestry, changing planting dates, and introducing new crops, notably cashews.