Agro-climatic characterization of potato production areas in Rwanda: meteorological data analysis and farmer perceptions

Abstract From years ago, many climate change effects are happening in world different areas, including in Rwanda. The purpose of this study is to determine rainfall and temperature evolution trend for thirty years, in Rwandan zones growing potato. Temperature and rainfall daily data were collected from three weather stations which are Kawangire, Gikongoro and Kora recognized as respectively low, medium and high elevations. Farmers were interviewed to know their perceptions on weather conditions during past thirty years. Temperature and rainfall data were analyzed by ombrothermic diagram, Nickolson Index and graphing with generated trend equation methods. Interview data were analyzed with Chi-square test at P-Value significance < 5%. Results have shown as dry June, July and August months in low elevation; June, July and August in medium elevation and June and July in high elevation depending on decade. Rainfall was increasing (evolution trend was positive) in low and medium elevations, while it was decreasing (evolution trend was negative) in high elevation. Temperature was decreasing in low elevation area and it was positive in medium and high elevation areas. All interviewed farmers confirmed long term-shift in temperature and precipitations. 95%, 45% and 43% of farmers reported that weather was becoming wetter during last years. As conclusion, potato growing cooler and wetter conditions of high elevation are shifting to low elevation in Rwanda. For climate change mitigation, Rwanda needs to promote potato in its Eastern part, the low elevation region, in order to increase the crop production in the future.