Present and future climate change in the semi-arid region of West Africa: a crucial input for practical adaptation in agriculture

Abstract

Climate change trends and projections based on observation and climate models were reviewed in West Africa (WA). Historically, the region has experienced decades of severe drought along with cycles of above average rainfall which have greatly affected agricultural production. Future projections indicate decreased rainfall over the Sahel coastline. Observations already indicate an average increase in temperature of between 0.2 and 0.8 °C; when projected, this increases further to between 3.0 and 4.0 °C. Of greater concern, however, is the late onset, early cessation dates of rainfall and reduction of length of growing period (LGP) which are now locally negatively impacting agriculture in the region. Furthermore, projections indicate a 20% reduction of LGP in 2050. These results represent essential input for accelerating agricultural adaptation to climate change. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society