Using Improved Varieties of Pearl Millet in Rainfed Agriculture in Response to Climate Change: A Case Study in the Tillabéri Region in Niger

The seasonal effects of global warming and water shortages begin to be observed on agricultural production and forecast trends encourage studies on adaptation to climate change. In Niger, West Africa, farmers have always had to cope with irregularity and poor distribution of rainfall. In recent years, a variation in the frequency and duration of rainy season were observed, suddenly affecting a drop in agricultural productions with the resulting food crisis. Therefore, it is necessary to find measures to adapt to the climate variability. This study focus on the Tillaberi region (Niger) where pearl millet is one of the main agricultural product. In the last few years, variations in rainfall distribution and quantity have negatively influenced the yield of the millet crops. A climatic assessment of the region has been verified collecting information from both previous studies and satellite data. Two early improved varieties of pearl millet (SOSAT-C88 and HKP) drought resistant have been distributed to local farmers in 16 pilot areas of the Tillaberi region and the crop yields were compared to those of the local traditional variety cultivated in the same area. The results have identified a significant increase in production, up to 62%, with the improved varieties compared to the local one. These results suggests the possibility of a potential extension, in this region, of improved varieties to mitigate the effects derived by climate change in the agricultural productivity in order to avoid famine and guarantee food security.