CYCLES DE SAISONS AGRICOLES ET CHOIX DE VARIETES DE CULTURES DANS LE DEPARTEMENT DE TANOUT (REGION DE ZINDER)

Adaptation to the harmful effects of climatic hazards is one of the major concerns of farmers in the Sahel. The adoption of improved varieties constitutes one of the strategies used by farmers in the Tanout department (Niger) to minimize disruptions to the agricultural season cycle. Thus, this study aims to highlight the resilience of farmers to handle fluctuations in the cycle of agricultural seasons, through the choice of suitable improved varieties. To carry out this work, the methodology used combines experimental approach and quantitative and qualitative surveys. Thus, six villages are selected as testing sites for three improved varieties of millet (CHAKTI, ICMV, SOSAT) and a local variety (ANKOUTESS). The Pettitt test (1979) and the SIVAKUMAR method (1987) are respectively used to analyze time series of rainfall data and define the start and end of the rainy season in the area. Individual questionnaires are sent to 90 farmers out of a total of 180 farmers benefiting from the Agropastoral Field Schools program, i.e. 15 farmers per village chosen randomly. To supplement the information collected, Focus Group interviews with other producers are also carried out, and comparative technical sheets are provided. The results revealed that the cycle of seasons is decisive in the choice of crop varieties. Also, genetic characteristics and the agroecological context strongly influence the choice of varieties. As resilience to the variation in the agricultural season cycle, farmers practice sorghum cultivation.