Strategic Axis 2: Climate, Meteorology, and Hydrology

Agropastoral Activities in West Africa and the Sahel: Climate, Meteorological, and Hydrological Challenges and Solutions. In West Africa and the Sahel, agropastoral activities mainly depend on rainfall, with nearly 70% of the population relying entirely on rainfed agriculture for their livelihood. Only a small portion of crops are irrigated along rivers, lakes, and dams. Yet, the region’s water potential remains largely untapped: only 3% of rainfall is utilized, and barely 20% of the 4 million hectares of irrigable land is actually cultivated (World Bank, FAO). Climate impact is critical in this vulnerable region. Prolonged droughts and irregular rainfall make harvests unpredictable. CILSS is working to better understand these climate changes to help farmers adapt.

Meteorology offers solutions: with modern stations and more accurate forecasts, farmers can better plan their sowing and harvesting. CILSS disseminates early warnings to anticipate bad seasons. Hydrology is key to developing irrigation. CILSS maps water resources and supports the construction of sustainable irrigation systems. Projects like PARIIS demonstrate how to better utilize river and groundwater. In response to these challenges, Sahelian countries, with CILSS support, are investing in:

• More efficient weather alert systems;
• Better-managed dams and water reservoirs;
• Water-saving irrigation techniques;
• Training farmers in new methods.

These combined actions help protect crops, create rural jobs, and ensure food stability across the region. CILSS’s work on climate, weather, and water is therefore vital for the future of millions of Sahelian farmers.