Impacts of Climate Change on Water Resources in the Urban District of Téra, Niger

Like many districts in Sahelian regions, the urban district of Téra is at risk of water shortages due to climate change. This district, located in the “Dargol” watershed in the far west of Niger, spans an area of approximately 2,380 km2. It receives a significant proportion of internal inflow from the River Niger and its drainage system. The urban district of Téra is characterised by a North-Sahelian climate, with an average annual rainfall of around 420 mm and average temperatures of 29 °C. Given the importance of water resources in a Sahelian environment, this article seeks to analyse the climate change factors impacting water resources in the urban district of Téra. The methodology employed is mixed, combining cartographic, climatic, qualitative, and quantitative data. A series of maps and climate data from 1990 to 2020 were produced and analysed. The results of this study show that water resources in the urban district of Téra are affected by climate change. Indeed, the district is experiencing irregular rainfall, with more than 18 dry years out of the 33 in the series. It is also subject to high temperatures exceeding 45 °C, which increase evapotranspiration, random groundwater recharge, erosion gullies, reduced vegetation cover, and surface water bodies.