Perceptions des effets de changements climatiques des paysans à l’échelle du bassin versant de Karey Gorou (Sud-Ouest du Niger): comparaison entre les données observées et les données d’enquêtes

Climate change poses a threat to the viability of rural households in Niger, where the concern is all the greater as the economy is based on agriculture, which is mainly dependent on rainfall and employs most of the working population. The aim of this study is to compare farmers' perceptions of the effects of climate change with observed data, and to identify the adaptation strategies they are developing to cope with them. Surveys were carried out using focus groups and questionnaires with a sample of eighty-six heads of households in six villages in the commune of Rurale Bittinkodji in the Kollo department of the Tillabéri region of Niger. Analysis of climatic parameters shows a 23% decrease in average rainfall, based on data from the Niamey station, and a trend towards higher temperatures and wind speeds. This trend is in line with perceptions of climatic parameters, which show a decrease in rainfall (89.5%), an increase in temperatures (76.7%) and wind speeds (89.5%). Farmers are aware of the climatic and environmental changes that have occurred, and have developed adaptation strategies. The coping strategies they have developed relate mainly to small-scale trading, irrigated farming, market gardening, fruit growing and migration. The implementation of adaptation strategies by farmers depends on the means available to provide sustainable solutions. They perceive the future as critical in terms of future difficulties if current trends continue.