IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON DROUGHT DYNAMICS AND VEGETATION COVER IN WEST AFRICA
LOUKOU KOUAKOU JEROME ANDRE
, YOUAN TA MARC , VAMI N'GUESSAN BI HERMANN , KONE ALIOUNE BADRA
Keyword: Drought, indices, Vulnerability, West Africa.
Abstract- Global warming is exacerbating the socio-economic vulnerability of West Africa, whose economy is largely based on agriculture. Since the 1970s, the region has experienced an increase in droughts linked to a significant decline in rainfall, leading to agricultural losses, famines and forced migration. This study analyses the spatial and temporal variations in drought between 1985 and 2015 using meteorological (SPI, SPEI) and satellite (SVI) indices. The results reveal a gradual intensification of dry spells over the last two decades, with strong correlations between climate indices and plant dynamics, particularly during the transition seasons (DJF, SON). Precipitation remains the main factor controlling vegetation cover, while evapotranspiration accentuates water stress in arid areas. The analysis highlights the recurrence and spatial extent of droughts, confirming the region's persistent vulnerability and underscoring the importance of adapted agricultural strategies to strengthen resilience to hydro-climatic extremes.
"IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON DROUGHT DYNAMICS AND VEGETATION COVER IN WEST AFRICA", IJSDR - International Journal of Scientific Development and Research (www.IJSDR.org), ISSN:2455-2631, Vol.11, Issue 1, page no.a611-a624, January-2026, Available :https://ijsdr.org/papers/IJSDR2601066.pdf
Volume 11
Issue 1,
January-2026
Pages : a611-a624
Paper Reg. ID: IJSDR_306863
Published Paper Id: IJSDR2601066
Downloads: 000240
Research Area: Science and Technology
Country: ABIDJAN, ABIDJAN, Cote D'ivoire
ISSN: 2455-2631 | IMPACT FACTOR: 9.15 Calculated By Google Scholar | ESTD YEAR: 2016
An International Scholarly Open Access Journal, Peer-Reviewed, Refereed Journal Impact Factor 9.15 Calculate by Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar | AI-Powered Research Tool, Multidisciplinary, Monthly, Multilanguage Journal Indexing in All Major Database & Metadata, Citation Generator
Publisher: IJSDR(IJ Publication) Janvi Wave