EVALUATION DES PARAMETRES AGRO-CLIMATIQUES DUN TERROIR SAHELIEN : CAS DE LA COMMUNE RURALE DE DUNGASS (ZINDER, NIGER)

In recent years, the southern part of the Zinder region has experienced an intensification of floods, which have become increasingly frequent and damaging. This study aims to characterize the constraints related to agro-climatic parameters in the rural municipality of Dungass. The methodology is based on the analysis of rainfall data covering the period 1981 - 2024, complemented by quantitative and qualitative socioeconomic surveys. The results reveal a recent trend toward exceptionally wet conditions, with Standardized Precipitation Indices (SPI) exceeding 3.0. A significant shift in the rainfall regime was identified in 1997 using the Pettitt test, marking a change in the evolution of annual rainfall totals. Furthermore, the analysis of seasonal parameters shows a decrease in the onset dates of the rainy season, an extension of the ending dates, a predominance of so-called Normal years, and an increase in the number of rainy days, reaching 72 days in 2024. A notable reduction in maximum dry spells was also observed, both at the beginning of the season (June-July) and at the end of the season (August–September). Although this evolution may offer certain opportunities, it also generates significant risks, as perceived by local populations, particularly through the increase in flooding events. This situation therefore calls for the implementation of adaptation strategies suited to the new climatic realities of the area.