Standardized Precipitation Index Evaluation of Agro-Hydro Droughts in the Bamenda Highlands of Cameroon
摘要
Tropical climates are shaped by seasonal changes, which directly impact rain-fed activities such as agro-pastoralism and the natural replenishment of water resources. This chapter investigates the occurrence of agro-hydro droughts using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). This is achieved by analysing average monthly rainfall from the National Meteorological Services (1981 to 2023) across 18 stations. The Coefficient of Variation (CV) was employed to assess rainfall reliability. The results demonstrate that rainfall in the Bamenda Highlands is highly seasonal, adhering to a monomodal pattern. Trends over the years show oscillations, with a gradual decrease in rainfall, resulting in a rise in the frequency of agro-hydro-meteorological droughts. Rainfall reliability is declining, with some interannual CVs exceeding 20%. These changes have significant implications for water resources management, as water scarcity has become a common challenge in urban, semi-urban, and rural areas. The occurrence of agro-hydro droughts threatens agro-pastoral production and water and food security. This emphasises the need for proactive, eco-friendly solutions to adapt to the diminishing rainfall and ensure the sustainability of livelihoods.