Climate change (CC) is becoming one of the greatest challenges for sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Strong fluctuations in precipitation combined with rising temperatures will have a particular impact on agricultural yields, leading to declines of up to 50%. This is particularly relevant for West Africa, and especially for Burkina Faso (BF), where the agricultural sector plays an essential role in the economy. The climate here is characterised by variable rainy seasons, short intermittent dry periods and early rainfall failure, but extreme precipitation is also frequent. A correspondingly unreliable, often shortened growing season is a main reason for current crop failures in BF. AgRAIN aims at the further development and implementation of concrete adaptation technologies in BF, which lead to an improved resistance of farmers to increased climate variability.
The specific objectives of AgRAIN are to support technological developments and the implementation of two linked adaptation measures: (i) the innovative collection and short-term forecasting of precipitation via commercial mobile phone links (CMLs) and (ii) novel technologies for rainwater storage for complementary irrigation, which use the above-mentioned precipitation information for optimal functioning. In addition, AgRAIN aims to evaluate the effectiveness and extrapolation potential of implementation measures through satellite-based earth observation (EO) and in-situ measurements. The data generated and the knowledge gained will be made available to the public via an information & notification service for mobile devices. In addition, they are communicated on a scientific and political level through statements, publications and presentations at conferences and workshops.
More here: agrain.eoc.dlr.de
Capillary subsurface irrigation system
An innovative, underground stormwater storage system for the collection of irrigation water from excess rainfall is being developed by the company INTEWA. The system is adapted to local needs, especially in terms of costs, type of water storage and handling, and thus has good potential for dissemination. By using surplus rainfall for irrigation, yield increases, a second crop rotation and a reduction in the risk of crop failure due to drought can be achieved. Predictive control of the rainwater storage system using AgRAIN precipitation information increases the efficiency of water storage and irrigation. Moreover, groundwater reservoirs can be replenished in the long term through targeted underground infiltration of excess storage water. A prototype system for rainwater storage and efficient irrigation was constructed and planted at the INTEWA site instead of on site in Burkina-Faso due to the pandemic situation during the project period. The yield is compared with a reference system that is surface irrigated by hand. During the rest of the project term until mid-2023, the integration of the control system, which incorporates rainfall forecasts into the system, will take place.
Technical article on the topic
A detailed technical article about a new stormwater management solution for municipalities with capillary rise, which has developed from the AgRAIN project, can be found here.