Rainfall Variations and Socio-Spatial Changes in the Sahel: -The Case of Waza-Logone Area of the Far North Cameroon, 1970-2000

Abstract

The Waza-Logone plain as many other parts of the Sahel, is characterized by two very contrasting seasons –a long dry season lasting for a large part of the year and a short rainy season lasting 4 to 5 months. There is a negative soil water balance due to high evapotranspiration which is more than 100mm per month. The volume and distribution of rainfall vary significantly from one year to another with frequent droughts..Information collected from household heads, community opinion leaders and field observations show that the essentially agro-pastoral populations have adopted many coping strategies. These include the extension of farming and rearing surfaces leading into the protected Waza National Park, a switch to the cultivation crops that require short rainy periods such as sorghum. Other adaptions include the collection and planting of Arabic gummosis and the combination of farming activities with handicraft works and/or commerce. Some animal breeders practice semi-nomadism and others transhumance as a means of adapting to the changing climatic conditions. These changes come with profound socio-spatial changes. Despite the populations’ ability to adapt to variations in rainfall, many challenges persist.The increasing population pressure on limited and reducing water resources in the face of recurrent water shortages and droughts has exacerbated the situation. If urgent measures are not taken to control population growth and build drought resilient infrastructure, the socio-spatial mutations in his area could lead to more negative repercusions.