Why does West Africa have so many research projects for climate change?
It is the region that has experienced the most dramatic rainfall shortage in the whole world over the past 30 years, but (though we do not know why) in more recent years the situation appears to have returned to normal. However, although the quantity of rainfall now appears to be satisfactory, we are observing more frequent extreme weather events — dry periods during the rainy season, floods with serious consequences for agriculture and health (malaria, cholera, bilharzia, etc.). For the next 50 years, forecasts for the region vary widely from one model to another. Some predict a return to wetter conditions, while others foresee a return of drought. It makes it difficult for politicians to take action when no one knows how things are going to evolve. How does the RIPIECSA project deal with such complex phenomena? The project has taken an original approach by tackling problems in a multi-disciplinary fashion — climatic and social studies — and by carrying out participatory research, lin
