INDICATEURS DES RISQUES CLIMATIQUES MAJEURS DANS LES COMMUNES DE 2KP (KEROU, KOUANDE, PEHUNCO) AU NORD-OUEST DU BENIN

Abstract

Climate risks are perceived today as one of the most serious threats to the sustainability of the global environment. The identification of climate risks therefore constitutes a major challenge for West African leaders who have a high sensitivity to climate extreme situations. The objective of this research is to identify the indicators of major climate risks in the municipalities of 2KP (Kérou, Kouandé and Péhunco). The methodological approach adopted required the use of climatological data collected over the period from 1950 to 2021. These are the rainfall heights and the daily and monthly temperatures of the synoptic station of Natitingou. Statistical analysis methods and graphs were used for the processing, analysis and interpretation of climatic data (rain, temperature, etc.) over the period 1950 to 2021. The analysis of the data reveals that the 1950-2021 series recorded 9 surplus years, i.e. 19% of the total number of years of this climatological series, against 20 deficit years, which represent 47%. There are 14 average rainfall years, i.e. a proportion of 34%. The modification of the rainfall regime and the observed annual totals already attest to the rainfall variability in the 2KP. The pronounced rainfall deficits and surpluses pose enormous difficulties for agriculture. Indeed, the years 1970, 1974, 1977, 1986, 2003 and 2006 were extremely loss-making while the years 1973, 1981, 1988, 1998, 2003, 2007 and 2009 were very surplus. This state of affairs leads to the conclusion that the frequency of extreme rainfall events has slightly increased over the past two decades.