Induced Effects of Climate Variability and Anthropogenic Pressures on Land-Use Dynamics in the Awa Data Sub-Basin (1975-2025), North Dogondoutchi, Niger

Abstract

In Niger, climate and environmental changes pose a threat to community development, particularly to achieving their poverty reduction and sustainable development goals. This study aims to analyze the impacts of climate variability and anthropogenic pressures on landscapes in the Awa Data sub-basin (North Dogondoutchi, Niger), in order to identify the opportunities and challenges faced by local communities in their adaptation strategies. To achieve this objective, primary (surveys) and secondary (climatological and satellite imagery) data were collected and compared with observations made during field visits. Analysis of secondary (climate) data and perceptions of residents aged 45 and over (N = 80) regarding the impacts of climate variability and human actions indicates an upward trend in the intensity of precipitation, temperatures and wind strength, as well as a deterioration of vegetation. The spatiotemporal study of land cover units in the sub-basin reveals an increase of 5% for cultivated areas and 2% for water bodies, against a decline in local vegetation cover estimated at 16% over the period 1975-2025. The respondents (80%) attribute these trends to climate variability and the conquest of new arable areas and habitats, which are linked to rampant population growth and its additional impact on already limited natural resources. The impacts of this environmental deterioration are the phenomena of water erosion, in terms of an increase in the competence of runoff waters, the undermining of banks by vertical and horizontal gullying, the silting up of lowlands, fragmentation of points by lateral flows at the origin of sand cones and flooding following the rapid emptying of almost filled ponds. The challenge is undoubtedly the increasing loss of water depth, essential for irrigated crops in the sub-basin. Biomechanical land management structures (half-moons, terraces) and water management structures (spreading sills) have a considerable impact on the development of the community’s productive base potential, especially since they constitute the only buffer against the most frequent climatic hazards in the sub-basin.