New Research Published: A Spatial Decision Support System for Climate-Adapted Agriculture in West Africa ​

New Research Published: A Spatial Decision Support System for Climate-Adapted Agriculture in West Africa ​

June 25, 2025

We are excited to announce the publication of a groundbreaking study titled A Spatial Decision Support System for Climate-Adapted Agriculture Designed with and for Stakeholders in West Africa in the journal Climate Services. ​ This research introduces a user-friendly Spatial Decision Support System (SDSS) developed to empower local stakeholders in West Africa to tackle the challenges posed by climate change. ​The work has been conducted by the LANDSURF project team, funded by the BMBF under the grant number 01LG2080A.

What’s the SDSS About?

The SDSS is a web-based tool designed to provide farmers, policymakers, NGOs, and researchers with easy access to climate, crop, and land-use data. ​ It integrates observational data, high-resolution climate models, and remote sensing information to offer 28 practical indicators, such as rainfall patterns, irrigation needs, and vegetation health. ​ The system is free, accessible in English and French, and compatible with smartphones, ensuring inclusivity for diverse users. ​

Why Is This Important?

West Africa’s agriculture is highly vulnerable to extreme weather events like droughts and heatwaves. ​ The SDSS bridges the gap between complex scientific data and actionable insights, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions about crop management, water use, and climate adaptation strategies. ​ For example, farmers can assess future irrigation needs, while planners can evaluate the impact of droughts and heatwaves on regional water resources. ​

What’s Next?

The SDSS will continue to evolve, with plans to enhance data quality, incorporate next-generation climate models, and expand indicators to include socio-economic and health-related data. This tool represents a significant step toward building resilience in agriculture and other sectors across West Africa. ​

Explore the full study and learn more about the SDSS at LANDSURF Portal. ​

This research is a testament to the power of collaboration between scientists and stakeholders, paving the way for sustainable development in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions.

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