Assessing the impacts of SRM on droughts in West Africa
Project summary
West African countries are highly vulnerable to climate extremes such as droughts, floods, and heat stress. SRM could help reduce the risks from global warming, but it is unclear if it will offset the increase in droughts and other extreme events, or whether it will induce different regional climate responses. Dr Amadou Coulibaly’s project builds on prior DMF-funded research to investigate how Solar Radiation Management (SRM) scenarios – G6sulfur and G6solar – affect precipitation, temperature, and hydrology in the Niger River Basin (NRB). Using the SWAT+ model, the study will simulate hydrological processes across four NRB subregions to assess SRM impacts on water availability, river discharge, and the frequency of floods and droughts.
The research will involve downscaling SRM climate data, calibrating and validating SWAT+ with observed records, and comparing results under baseline and SRM conditions. Led by a strengthened team including experts in climate change and hydrological modelling, the project will produce high-resolution SRM datasets, a peer-reviewed publication, and policy briefs for local stakeholders. By linking SRM-induced climate changes with water management and agricultural systems, this work will enhance understanding of SRM’s regional implications and inform strategies to strengthen water security and climate resilience in West Africa.
