Perceptions and farmers adaptation strategies to rainfall variability in the centre of Benin

Abstract

Sub-Saharan Africa countries are strongly affected by climate change throes. The present study aims at analysing the farmers’ perceptions on rainfall variability, the adaptation strategies in the middle Benin. Ethno-climatic information collected, using questionnaire on a sample of 270 actors was used to appreciate the adaptation strategies developed by farmers. The calculation of the rainfall index and the determination of the wet and dry sequences on the rainfall series of 1941 to 2010, were used to better study the rainfall variability. The rainfall mutations observed according to farmers perceptions are the delay in the beginning, sudden stop and irregularity of rains (96, 94 and 83% of positives responses respectively). Consequences are the reduction of the production and agricultural yield and the perturbations of the agricultural calendar. The adaptation strategies are mainly extension of farmlands, socio-professional reconversion towards forest exploitation sectors such as the production and the commerce of wood and wood charcoal, so contributing to the depletion of the vegetation cover of the region. Sustainable adaptation strategies to climate change should be identified and disseminated in the Centre of Benin through follow up measures such as training, monitoring and funding.