Impacts of Climate Change on Water Stress in West Africa: Case Study of the N’zi (Bandama) Watershed in Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

The increased pressures on water resources linked to climate and societal changes are recognized as global challenges. The objective of this study is to analyze the impacts of climate change on the water stress of populations in the N'zi (Bandama) watershed in Ivory Coast. The data used (flows, populations, etc.) cover the period 1991-2020. An approach based on the comparison of water resources (standard normalization index, linear regression method, frequency analysis, flow rate index, etc.) and demands through the water needs satisfaction rate index, was applied at interannual and monthly scales. This approach has made it possible to identify the major trends in water stress in Dimbokro populations. It appears that on an interannual scale, the N'zi watershed is in a situation of water stress. The seasonal scale analysis shows that the city of Dimbokro experiences six months (December to May) of water stress. In the future horizons, the water stress of the city of Dimbokro could intensify.