Characterization of the variability in climate extremes in the Ferkessédougou sugar complexes (Northern Côte d'Ivoire)

Abstract

This study aims to analyse the frequency, intensity and duration of extreme climate events in order to optimise sugarcane production in the Ferkessédougou sugar complexes. The methodological approach is based on the calculation of extreme climate indices defined by the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI) from daily rainfall and temperature data observed at the Ferké 2 station over the period 1999–2018. The results show that the rainfall indices are negative, except for the number of consecutive dry days (CDD); this shows a decreasing trend in rainfall with, however, insignificant trends. Over the period 1999–2006, the number of intense rainfall days (R10 mm) decreased from 40 to 28 d with an average decrease of 0.3 d yr−1 and the number of very intense rainfall days (R20 mm) fluctuated between 26 and 2 d, with a slope of 0.083. The extreme temperature indices show statistically significant positive trends for the warm sequences; this confirms the rising of temperatures on both a local and national scale. This study could enable the Ferkessédougou sugar complexes managers to develop strategies for adaptation to climate change.