Impact of Climate Variability on Water Requirements of Lowland Rice Farming in South Sudanian Climate Region

Abstract

Rice farming in south sudanian climate region is mainly rain-fed, subject to drought or flood which can wreck the harvesting hopes of small holder farmers. So, this study was aimed to mitigate the effect of these droughts on yield. Surveys have been done during August 2017 in three lowlands and at the extension services of the Ministry of Agriculture. Climatic data for the last 30 years have been analyzed by using Franquin method versus rice water need in Houet lowland area, Burkina Faso. The results show, that small holder farmers use five improved varieties with cropping cycle varies from 95 to 120 days. The sowing period is between midJune to mid-July. And Yields in this lowland have depended strongly by rainfall. Analyse of climate data versus rice water’s need show that, 97 % over this period, rice water needs were not met at 100%. To mitigate the effects of drought on the productivity of lowland rice, for direct seeding, the periods of 20 to 25 June and 20 to 25 July are suitable for rice varieties with 120 day and 90 days of cropping cycle respectively.