Agricultural impacts of regional variability of the West African monsoon

摘要: Agriculture in the Sudano-Sahelian zone is heavily dependent on seasonal characteristics of rainfall, i.e. onset, length and termination wet season, rainfall totals intraseasonal distribution. This study seeks to characterize components regional climatic variability their impact simulated, attainable, plot-level yields millet. First, we will at a scale two main events pattern monsoon over West Africa by using daily dataset 1968-1990 period, that is, (1) "onset" summer characterized an abrupt northward shift ITCZ from 5°N 10°N around 24th June, (2) large coherent, intra-seasonal fluctuations different spectral windows, between 10 25 days 60 days. Second, investigate these phenomena local crop SARRAH, model simulating water-limited yield, means sensitivity analyses. The response attainable yield (limited climate water resources but not mineral nutrition) sowing date was studied for 19 years period 90-day millet Niamey. Yield analysed with respect apparent validity (climatic) (rainfall events) decision criteria date, while taking into consideration interannual dry spells. Results indicate information dynamics might help improve production locally. (Resume d'auteur)