DOMMAGES ET PERTES CAUSES PAR LA CRUE SUR LES COMMUNAUTES AGROPASTORALES DU CERCLE DE NIAFOUNKE, REGION DE TOMBOUCTOU

The Timbuktu region is regularly faced with flooding linked to the rising waters of the Niger River. This year, an early and exceptional flood caused flooding affecting almost half of the region, particularly affecting the municipalities located along the river. The water levels reached unusual heights, and their sudden rise took the population by surprise. This research aims to identify the damage and losses caused by flooding on agropastoral populations in the Niafounké circle. The survey took place in the seven (7) most affected villages in the circle. This study affected two hundred and fifty three (253) households. Data was collected using a community questionnaire adapted to the context. According to the analysis of the results, it appears that agricultural infrastructure has suffered significant damage. Among them, 59% of irrigated areas have been destroyed, 44% of watering troughs are completely out of order, and 100% of fishponds have been seriously damaged. These losses have considerably reduced the productive capacities of communities. The food stocks of households affected by the floods were extremely limited: 42% of those affected had food reserves covering no more than a week, while 18% estimated they could last between a week and a month. We recommend taking advantage of relative humidity in agricultural production basins to produce cereals and vegetables and encouraging agropastoral to sign up for agricultural insurance. Keywords: damage, losses, agropastoral communities, Niafounké.