Assessment of current and future irrigation needs for corn and soybean crops in the Kara Agropolis, Northern Togo, West Africa

Abstract

Assessing irrigation needs for agriculture is key for reducing water resources. This study evaluated requirements for corn and soybean in Togo's Kara Agropolis, tackling climate change and water scarcity via remote sensing and spatial analysis of evapotranspiration (ETc), effective rainfall, and soil water capacity. Findings from 2021 to 2023 indicate that the water requirements for both crops were met despite a decline in water availability. Projections based on the ACCESS-CM2 model under the SSP-4.5 scenario predict substantial increases in irrigation: corn will require 400,000 m³ of water by 2030 and 1,000,000 m³ by 2050; soybean needs will increase from 75,000 m³ in 2030 to nearly 200,000 m³ by 2050. Additionally, 6,843 hectares may become unsuitable for rainfed corn by 2030, increasing to 7,162 hectares by 2050. These results underscore the need for improved water resource management to sustain agricultural productivity.