A Climate Trend Analysis of Niger

Fact Sheet 2012-3080
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Famine Early Warning Systems Network - Informing Climate Change Adaptation Series
By: , and 

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Abstract

This brief report, drawing from a multi-year effort by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET), identifies a substantial recovery of rainfall in Niger, accompanied by increases in air temperatures. These analyses are based on quality-controlled station observations. Conclusions: * Summer rains have increased during the past 20 years and have almost returned to 1960-89 levels. * Temperatures have increased by 0.6° Celsius since 1975, amplifying the effect of droughts. * Crop yields are very low and stagnant, and the population is growing very rapidly. * Niger has offset very rapid population growth with a large expansion of cultivated land. * If the expansion of farmland slows down, stagnant yields and population growth could lead to increased food insecurity.

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Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title A Climate Trend Analysis of Niger
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 2012-3080
Subseries Informing Climate Change Adaptation Series
DOI 10.3133/fs20123080
Year Published 2012
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center
Description 4 p.
Country Niger
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