Climate Change: Vulnerability Assessment

Climate Change Effects and Anthropically Induced Wetland Degradation: A Case Study of the Urban Natural Reserve of the Great Niaye of Pikine (Technopole)

2026-01-19T10:30:36Z

Climate Change Effects and Anthropically Induced Wetland Degradation: A Case Study of the Urban Natural Reserve of the Great Niaye of Pikine (Technopole) LY, ALIOUSSEYNI Senegal, like other coastal African countries, is home to some very important wetlands. These wetlands regulate flooding and help to reduce water deficits during periods of drought, as is the case in the Technopole reserve. In the Dakar region, the Technopole nature reserve plays a crucial role in the ecological balance and is of considerable economic and environmental importance. This study examines the impact of climate variability and human activities on the degradation of wetlands at Technopole. An analysis of precipitation, maximum temperature and evaporation parameters was carried out alongside analyses of climatic indices, including flood and drought risks (SPI analysis), and lake water levels. In addition, field surveys and land use studies (from 1993 to 2023) were carried out, along with water quality analyses to measure levels of degradation. Our studies indicate the influence of rainfall variability on the Technopole's lakes, leading to drought scenarios from the 1970s onwards. These scenarios posed challenges in terms of water renewal, fluctuating water levels, rising salinity levels and the risk of flooding in 2003 and 2013. In addition, the land use results show human pressure on these wetlands through the conversion of natural vegetation and bare land (304.59 Ha and 15.8 Ha, respectively) into buildings, farmland and water bodies, with values of 133 Ha, 109.87 Ha and 77.88 Ha respectively between 1993 and 2023. Agricultural and craft practices continue to pollute the environment and water through the use of chemicals. Water analyses reveal high levels of salinity in the five Technopole lakes and high levels of faecal coliforms in the two Maristes lakes, preventing the normal development of marine flora and fauna. These results were used in the study to propose a sustainable development plan. This plan consists of concrete actions to combat the degradation and regression of the wetlands, such as taking into account land pressure and implementing integrated management of the reserves between political decision-makers and communities.

PERCEPTIONS OF CLIMATE CHANGE: A STUDY OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN KOGI STATE OF NIGERIA

2025-12-22T12:18:16Z

PERCEPTIONS OF CLIMATE CHANGE: A STUDY OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN KOGI STATE OF NIGERIA ILEMONA ATTAH, PEACE Every area on the planet inhabited by humans is already experiencing the effects of climate change, with human activity responsible for many of the observed extreme climatic condition and changes in weather. Africa, particularly Nigeria, is among the continent’s most susceptible to the effects of climate change. It is especially susceptible to the consequences of climate change because of its heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture, pervasive poverty, and little capacity for adaptation. This study aimed to assess the perception of climate change among university students in Kogi State, Nigeria. The methodology employed encompassed a sampling design utilizing data collection instruments such as questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. The research examined the level of awareness of climate change, climate risks and its impacts on student and their local environment. The study also examined the accessible and available medium for knowledge about climate change in selected universities. Furthermore, this is critical, particularly in terms of providing the students with the knowledge they need to adapt to and lessen the effects of climate change. It investigated the role of the selected universities in climate change education. The study adopted a descriptive survey design to collect primary and secondary data. Results revealed that there is generally high awareness of climate change among university students, with over 95% of respondents from each university. The findings also reveal that 84.9% of the respondents acknowledge climate change as a risk to their environment, while the other respondents either do not know or are uncertain. Half of the respondents were neutral about their university’s role in climate change education, 34.75% expressed that it was effective and 15.1% expressed that it is ineffective. This explains that the university is not doing enough in terms of climate change education. The results also show that climate change education is not included in the curriculum of some of these universities. It is necessary to take more steps to build their capacities for facing this future challenge and encouraging engagement in combating the effects of climate change. It is also necessary that more courses addressing the causes and impact of climate change be added to the curriculum and universities should continually play an active role in climate change education.

Simulation of Climate Change Impacts on Peanut Productivity in Bambey, Senegal, Using the DSSAT Model

2025-12-22T11:20:33Z

Simulation of Climate Change Impacts on Peanut Productivity in Bambey, Senegal, Using the DSSAT Model DIOUF, MOR Kane Climate change presents a major challenge to agriculture, particularly in rainfed systems such as Senegal’s peanut basin. This study evaluates the potential impacts of climate change on peanut productivity in Bambey, Senegal, using the DSSAT CROPGRO-Peanut model. A multi model ensemble from two General Circulation Models (GCMs) was utilized to assess historical climate trends and project future conditions under SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios. The study further examines the effectiveness of various crop management strategies in mitigating climate change effects. The findings reveal a statistically significant annual and monthly increasing trend (Z-value > 1.96 at α = 0.05) in both maximum and minimum temperatures across past and future periods, highlighting a consistent warming trend. In contrast, annual and monthly rainfall patterns demonstrate relative stability, with no significant trends toward decreasing precipitation (-1.96 < Z-value < 0). However, an exception is observed in August, the wettest month, which exhibits a statistically significant decline in rainfall (Z-value < -1.96) during the baseline period and across future climate scenarios. This deviation suggests a potential shift in the rainfall regime during a critical period of the growing season. Simulation results indicate that while biomass production may experience a marginal increase of approximately 2.5 to 3.2% in the near future, depending on the climate scenario and variety, a decline of 3.2 to 17.7% is projected in the mid-term future. Conversely, grain yields are expected to decrease across all future periods, with reductions intensifying over time. Specifically, yield losses are estimated at 1.9 to 5.6% in the near future and 23.3 to 48.9% in the mid-term future, depending on the climate scenario and variety. However, the adoption of crop management strategies, such as short-cycle varieties and optimal sowing date adjustments between July 11 and July 21, can help mitigate yield losses. These findings highlight the importance of climate-smart agricultural practices, including improved water and soil management, diversified cropping systems, and strengthened adaptation policies. The study provides critical insights for policymakers, researchers, and farmers in developing strategies to sustain peanut production in the face of climate change.

Groundwater Vulnerability Mapping in the Karstic System of Ghar Boumaza, Using the C.O.P. Method

2020-01-28T13:13:15Z

Groundwater Vulnerability Mapping in the Karstic System of Ghar Boumaza, Using the C.O.P. Method Bouabdallah, Mohammed El Hadi After an extensive literature review on the methods of vulnerability mapping, analysis of the European project COST action 620, a geological and hydrological study of Merchich watershed, we saw the possibility of the application of COP method. It has been selected to assess the value of intrinsic vulnerability of groundwater resources in the watershed, with varying degrees of karstification. The cartography of the intrinsic groundwater vulnerability of this system was realized by applying the COP method (Concentration of flow, overlying and precipitation).The resulting map has shown that more than 38% of the surface of the system is in high vulnerability area,more than 18% in low vulnerability,44% with moderate vulnerabilit. The superposition of the map of intrinsic groundwater vulnerability with the map of polluting sources established for Ghar Boumâaza system helped to develop a map of pollution risks in which the areas that are most threatened by the pollution of the surrounding area A.Taga are highlighted.Indeed a bacteriological analysis campaign of water of this system performed recently allowed to see that some water sources are contaminated and therefore undrinkable. The water analyses of the fourth points assessed showed the real pollution of the groundwater which should be controlled and protected.