Analysis of drougt trends in senegalese coastal zone on different climatic domains (1951-2010)

Abstract

In this article, a quantitative evaluation of drought characteristics and their variability in Senegalese coast (and/or western) zone in different domains (south and north Sudanian and Sahelian) was carried out. Monthly precipitation data for ten selected stations. SPI analysis for 1, 3, 6 and 12 months was performed. Results of SPI analysis revealed an alternation of negative values indicating an occurrence of drought and positive values for wet conditions. SPI analysis showed several years of drought during the study period with decades 1971-1980, 1981-1990, 1991-2000 which witnessed a persistent drought on Senegalese coast. This drought is classified as light, moderate, severe and extreme. An in-depth examination shows the predominance of mild droughts with the greatest number of occurrences during study period on Senegalese coast. In the context of reducing the drought impacts, this study provides useful information for proactive intervention and effective planning of rain-fed agriculture on Senegalese coast.

Key words: Drought, Trend, Standardized Precipitation Indices, Coast, Senegal