EFFECTS OF PLUVIOMETRIC VARIABILITY ON RICE (ORIZA SATIVA) PRODUCTION IN THE COMMUNE OF MATERI IN NORTHEAST BENIN

Abstract

This research analyzes the effects of rainfall variability on rice production in a context of predominantly rainfed agriculture in northwest Benin, specifically in Matéri. A methodology based on documentary research and diagnostic surveys was used to collect information on the effects of rainfall variability. It enabled the collection of information on rice yields, rainfall data (1990-2020) and temperatures (1990-2020). The determination of extreme rainfall years and the frequency and magnitude of extreme rainfall years, and the analysis of the effects of rainfall variation. The analysis of the results was done using the EPIR (State/Pressure/Impacts/Response) model. The analysis of the results indicates an overall decreasing trend in precipitation and an increase in temperature. Similarly, there was a slight decrease in rainfall in 1998 (yield: 1450 t vs. 1508.6 mm) despite a high rainfall. These results were confirmed by the perceptions of producers, who attested to them through the modification of the agricultural calendar (80%) due to the increase in agricultural land (46.26%), and vegetation fires (19.52%) attributable to, among other things, clearing and deforestation (11.34%). To cope with this situation, which threatens the livelihoods of households, producers have developed coping strategies such as extending the area (50%), adopting new crop varieties, changing crops and fighting against wildfires, etc.