Arnaud Ouédraogo^1,, Pawendkisgou Isidore Yanogo¹, Innoussa Ouédraogo¹

Market gardening is an economic activity for agricultural households in the Réo commune. This activity is affected by climate variability which has an impact on the water resources needed for production. This study aims at analysing agricultural producers’ resilience and adaptation strategies to climate variability of around the Guido dam. The methodological approach considered includes direct observations, surveys carried out with 300 market gardeners and interviews. Rainfall parameters were also analysed. Results revealed an interannual change in rainfall with deficits, surplus and normal years. Climate change periodically results in flooding over irrigated areas and pockets of drought which negatively affect market gardening production. Adaptation strategies were developed by market gardeners and include fertilization (100%), living or dead hedges (100%), improved seeds (90%), drawing water next to the dam (100%), association of crops (86%) water and soil conservation techniques (55%). Considering the benefits generated by this activity, it is essential for government to directly support producers by changing paradigms in decision-making.

climate variability, market gardening, adaptation strategies, Burkina Faso