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. 2012 Jun;41(4):380-92.
doi: 10.1007/s13280-011-0231-8. Epub 2012 Jan 24.

Climate variability and environmental stress in the Sudan-Sahel zone of West Africa

Ole Mertz  1 , Sarah D'haen, Abdou Maiga, Ibrahim Bouzou Moussa, Bruno Barbier, Awa Diouf, Drissa Diallo, Evariste Dapola Da, Daniel Dabi
Affiliations

Climate variability and environmental stress in the Sudan-Sahel zone of West Africa

Ole Mertz et al. Ambio. 2012 Jun.

Abstract

Environmental change in the Sudan-Sahel region of West Africa (SSWA) has been much debated since the droughts of the 1970s. In this article we assess climate variability and environmental stress in the region. Households in Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria were asked about climatic changes and their perceptions were compared across north-south and west-east rainfall gradients. More than 80% of all households found that rainfall had decreased, especially in the wettest areas. Increases in wind speeds and temperature were perceived by an overall 60-80% of households. Contrary to household perceptions, observed rainfall patterns showed an increasing trend over the past 20 years. However, August rainfall declined, and could therefore potentially explain the contrasting negative household perceptions of rainfall trends. Most households reported degradation of soils, water resources, vegetation, and fauna, but more so in the 500-900 mm zones. Adaptation measures to counter environmental degradation included use of manure, reforestation, soil and water conservation, and protection of fauna and vegetation. The results raise concerns for future environmental management in the region, especially in the 500-900 mm zones and the western part of SSWA.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The location of the 15 sites in West Africa, with indication of isohyets and the rainfall data grid cells used
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Household perceptions of changes in a annual rainfall, b duration of dry spells, c duration of rainy season, d intensity of rainfall events, e duration and intensity of March–April rains, and f inundations of fields during the past 20 years. Data presented along a north–south gradient according to different rainfall zones
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Household perceptions of changes in temperatures in a rainy and b dry seasons and in the duration of c cold and d hot periods during the past 20 years. Data presented along a north–south gradient according to different rainfall zones
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Household perceptions of changes in the frequency and duration of strong winds in a the rainy season and b the dry season and in c the intensity of dust storms during the past 20 years. Data presented along a north–south gradient according to different rainfall zones
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Household perceptions of changes in a annual rainfall, b duration of dry spells, c duration of rainy season, and d duration and intensity of March–April rains during the past 20 years along a west–east gradient
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Household perceptions of changes in temperatures in the a dry season and b rainy season, in the duration of c cold and d hot periods, and in changes in the frequency and duration of strong winds in the e dry season and f rainy season during the past 20 years along a west–east gradient
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Adaptation measures mentioned by households in response to negative impacts of climate factors on a soils, b water resources, c vegetation, and d fauna according to different rainfall zones
Fig. 8
Fig. 8
Observed changes in decadal rainfall for all study sites for the period 1982–2006, divided into five periods of 5 years. a–f Study sites located in the 400–500 mm zone, g–j study sites located in the 500–700 mm zone, and k–o study sites located in the 700–900 mm zone
Fig. 8
Fig. 8
Observed changes in decadal rainfall for all study sites for the period 1982–2006, divided into five periods of 5 years. a–f Study sites located in the 400–500 mm zone, g–j study sites located in the 500–700 mm zone, and k–o study sites located in the 700–900 mm zone
Fig. 9
Fig. 9
Frequency and length of dry spells (gray shading) for the period 1982–2006, divided into five periods of 5 years, for each study site located in the central part of the study zone. The western and eastern zones show similar patterns
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