Determination of potential lengths of the crop growing period in semi-arid regions of Senegal

A study of rainfall data from the Senegal semi-arid region shows that one of the major components of the deterioration in rainfall in the Sahel is the very marked reduction in the length of the rainy season since 1970. This reduction means that lengths of the crop growing period have to be reviewed for each region. A study method is described which takes into account the inherent climatic, economic and technical constraints in Sahelian agriculture. It enables potential lengths of the growing period to be determined, adapted to each region. Among the various means used to study drought, this method, in particular, enables the setting of plant breeding targets. It has been applied to the case of the Senegal semi-arid region. © 1991.