Assessing the effects of SRM on crops in West Africa
Host institution Federal University of Technology, Akure
Grant year 2023
Project summary
Climate change is projected to increase temperature and unpredictable rainfall in West Africa, with negative impacts on a wide range of crops in the region. This project aims to extend previous research on Solar Radiation Management (SRM) by evaluating how different Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI) techniques, using the new ARISE-SAI dataset, affect agroclimatic conditions and crop yields in West Africa. The study will assess SAI impacts at global warming levels of 0.5°C, 1.0°C, and 1.5°C on key variables such as temperature, rainfall, drought frequency, and crop water needs, focusing on major staples including maize, sorghum, soybean, cowpea, and cassava. Using bias-corrected climate data from CMIP6 models, EcoCrop, and DSSAT simulations, the project will quantify SRM effects on crop suitability and productivity. Statistical analyses will ensure robust, significant results. The grant will also sustain PhD research on geoengineering in Nigeria and support stakeholder engagement to strengthen regional understanding and capacity in climate geoengineering and agricultural resilience.
