Korhogo, March 18, 2023 (AIP) - Dr. Assi Lordia Florentine, a research professor at the University of Péléforo Gon Coulibaly in Korhogo, presented on Friday 17 March 2023, in Korhogo, the results of a study on climate change in two localities in the north of Côte d'Ivoire, namely Dianra (Béré region) and Katiali (Poro region).

The study was carried out within the framework of the research component of the West African Women's Leadership Programme (WafriCLP), led by the African Centre of Excellence (WASCAL/CCBAD) of the University of Félix Houphouët-Boigny (Abidjan/Côte d'Ivoire). The project is funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC).

According to Dr. Assi, it aimed at analysing the level of vulnerability of livestock farmers in the above-mentioned localities to climate change. The results of the study revealed significant climatic variations observed over the past three decades in the said localities. This factor, together with the expansion of cashew tree cultivation and gold panning, has led to a high level of vulnerability of the herders in these areas. According to Dr. Assi Lordia, these factors combined have resulted in a spatial reconfiguration with a marked reduction in pastoral areas.

This situation has led to increased tensions between state administrators, who are anxious to preserve certain areas, and herders and farmers, who are anxious to gain more arable or agro-pastoral land.

For the teacher-researcher who conducted this important study, these results should be seen as an aid to decision-making in the localities covered by the study. She called for a rational use of natural resources by both herders and farmers.

Dr. ASSI Lordia Florentine is one of 18 laureates of the West African Women's Climate Leadership Programme, including six Ivorian laureates in total. She promised to continue working for the formulation of more projects in favour of the Ivorian population.

(AIP)

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