Rainfall Variability and Cotton Production in Kouandé in the Atacora Department of Benin (West Africa)

Abstract

Cotton production is of major socio-economic importance in the Commune of Kouandé in Benin. However, this sector is subject to the effects of declining rainfall in recent years. This research aims to analyze rainfall variability and cotton production in the commune of Kouandé. Rainfall data from the period 1982 to 2020 and cotton production statistics from the period 1995 to 2020 are used. The methodological approach used is based on documentary research and field surveys carried out among one hundred and thirty-five (135) cotton producers in the Commune of Kouandé in Beninese territory. Thus, frequency analyses on the variability of rainfall and characteristic parameters of the growing season on the one hand and cotton statistics on the other hand were assessed in terms of risks. For the entire study period, there were 7.7% normal years, 38.5% surplus years and 53.2% deficit years. According to 93.33% of the producers interviewed, there is a downward trend in rainfall levels, especially in the last ten years. 50% of the producers surveyed spoke of poor rainfall distribution. Furthermore, a 1.4% drop in cotton production per hectare of sown land per year was observed , which reflects the decline in soil quality. While an average annual drop of 100 mm of rainfall could cause a drop in yield of approximately 1 kg/ha. Several other factors such as humidity index, field maintenance, chemical input, choice of crop varieties, farm labor, cultivation techniques and producer supervision influence agricultural yields.