Analysis of the Spatio-Temporal Rainfall Variability in Cameroon over the Period 1950 to 2019

Abstract

The study of rainfall in the long term is essential for climatic change understanding and socioeconomic development. The main goal of this study was to explore the spatial and temporal variations of precipitation in different time scales (seasonal and annual) in Cameroon. The Mann–Kendall and Pettitt tests were applied to analyze the precipitation variability. In temporal terms, the different regions of Cameroon have recorded significant drops in annual rainfall that Pettitt’s test generally situates around the 1970s. The decreases observed for the northern regions of Cameroon are between −5.4% (Adamawa) and −7.4% (Far North). Those of western regions oscillate between −7.5% (South-West) and −12.5% (West). The southern Cameroon regions recorded decreases varying between −4.3% (East) and −5.9% (Center). In spatial terms, the divisions of the northern, western, and southern regions of Cameroon recorded after the 1970s (a pivotal period in the evolution of precipitation in temporal terms) indicate a precipitation decrease towards the South, the South-West, and the West. This study’s findings could be helpful for planning and managing water resources in Cameroon.