A climatic data information model for computing crop yields in Burkina Faso

Crop yields deficit is generally attributed to cumulative effects of low precipitation and inappropriate cropping calendar in Burkina Faso. However, the relationship between water and yields could be used to determine a suitable cropping calendar. This paper applied a reference model and rainfall contribution index recently developed for Burkina Faso to model the water balance analysis using climatic data information collected from 1995 to 2006 in Ouagadougou and Banfora. Then, the crop water yield function concept is used for establishing climatic data information model to examine the final output under different planting dates. It was found that, the difference between potential and expected yields was causally related to the planting dates applied. In addition, by comparing the maximum expected yields to the average values, the yields were reduced between 5 to 18% and 4 to 23% in Ouagadougou and Banfora, respectively. Lower the difference, closer the planting dates to the suitable dates. It could be therefore suggested for alleviating the water shortage and yield deficit under rainfed condition, the suitable cropping calendars determined using the model established in this study. Finally, suitable planting dates coupled to early maturing varieties for Burkina Faso could be a very good recommendation for agriculture water management.