Badini, Oumar2016-04-192016-04-192001SANREM CRSP Working Paper No. 02-01498_agro0201E.pdfhttp://hdl.handle.net/10919/65555To understand and characterize the agro-climatic conditions in Madiama, first, the physiogeography of the area as well as the general climatic patterns of the Sahel region influencing the local climate of Madiama are introduced. Then, local rainfall amounts and variability are described and assessed through the analysis of long-term (30 years at least) annual, monthly, seasonal and decadal (every ten-day) totals. Through the probability analysis of the rainfall carried out on a decadal basis, the seasonality of rainfall and its reliability are described. Also, temperature, potential evapotranspiration, and length of growing season have been analyzed. Finally, the application of this agro-climatic analysis to crop suitability analysis as well as crop improvement and planning useful to Madiama and the region are introduced.application/pdfen-USEnvironmental impactsSoilAgricultural ecosystemsWater managementArid zonesAgro-ecological characteristicsClimatic characteristicsRainfall variabilityEcosystemWorking paper