Comparative performance of the objective vs. consensual seasonal climate forecasting approaches in West Africa and the Sahel

AGRHYMET RCC-AOS, through the AICCRA project, has developed objective seasonal forecasting systems, combining advanced statistics, dynamical models, and artificial intelligence algorithms improving accuracy and reliability of climate forecasts across the region. Forecast accuracy assessment of the n...

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Main Authors: Tanimoune, Laouali I, Nimon, Pouwereou, Ali, Abdou, Houngnibo, Mandela C M, Alhassane, Agali, Mohamed, Hamatan, Soumana, Djibo, Assoumana, Boubacar Toukal, Segnon, Alcade Christel, Zougmore, Robert Bellarmin
Format: Brief
Language:Inglés
Published: 2025
Subjects:
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/10568/179567
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author Tanimoune, Laouali I
Nimon, Pouwereou
Ali, Abdou
Houngnibo, Mandela C M
Alhassane, Agali
Mohamed, Hamatan
Soumana, Djibo
Assoumana, Boubacar Toukal
Segnon, Alcade Christel
Zougmore, Robert Bellarmin
author_browse Alhassane, Agali
Ali, Abdou
Assoumana, Boubacar Toukal
Houngnibo, Mandela C M
Mohamed, Hamatan
Nimon, Pouwereou
Segnon, Alcade Christel
Soumana, Djibo
Tanimoune, Laouali I
Zougmore, Robert Bellarmin
author_facet Tanimoune, Laouali I
Nimon, Pouwereou
Ali, Abdou
Houngnibo, Mandela C M
Alhassane, Agali
Mohamed, Hamatan
Soumana, Djibo
Assoumana, Boubacar Toukal
Segnon, Alcade Christel
Zougmore, Robert Bellarmin
author_sort Tanimoune, Laouali I
collection Repository of Agricultural Research Outputs (CGSpace)
description AGRHYMET RCC-AOS, through the AICCRA project, has developed objective seasonal forecasting systems, combining advanced statistics, dynamical models, and artificial intelligence algorithms improving accuracy and reliability of climate forecasts across the region. Forecast accuracy assessment of the new objective seasonal forecasting approach and the existing consensual approach showed that the new objective seasonal forecasting approach significantly outperforms the consensual approach, achieving an average accuracy of 66% vs. 46% for the consensual approach. The highest skill is observed in predicting above-normal rainfall (94% vs 71% for the consensual approach) confirming the robustness of the objective system in identifying regions prone to flooding and heavy rainfall events. Similarly, performance for below-normal conditions (53% vs 21% for the consensual approach) demonstrates a good capacity to detect potential dry spells and drought risks. As the objective seasonal forecasting approach has been officially endorsed by the directors of NMHSs of the 17 countries in West Africa and the Sahel, transitioning from traditional consensual seasonal forecasts, this new approach will be used during the future Regional Climate Outlook Forums (RCOFs) in the region. There is a need to continue improving the WASS2S tool for a more holistic forecasting and strengthening the capacities of more NMHSs staff to ensure the sustainability and regional ownership of objective forecasts.
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spelling CGSpace1795672026-01-09T02:09:08Z Comparative performance of the objective vs. consensual seasonal climate forecasting approaches in West Africa and the Sahel Tanimoune, Laouali I Nimon, Pouwereou Ali, Abdou Houngnibo, Mandela C M Alhassane, Agali Mohamed, Hamatan Soumana, Djibo Assoumana, Boubacar Toukal Segnon, Alcade Christel Zougmore, Robert Bellarmin climate change adaptation resilience climate services-climate information services AGRHYMET RCC-AOS, through the AICCRA project, has developed objective seasonal forecasting systems, combining advanced statistics, dynamical models, and artificial intelligence algorithms improving accuracy and reliability of climate forecasts across the region. Forecast accuracy assessment of the new objective seasonal forecasting approach and the existing consensual approach showed that the new objective seasonal forecasting approach significantly outperforms the consensual approach, achieving an average accuracy of 66% vs. 46% for the consensual approach. The highest skill is observed in predicting above-normal rainfall (94% vs 71% for the consensual approach) confirming the robustness of the objective system in identifying regions prone to flooding and heavy rainfall events. Similarly, performance for below-normal conditions (53% vs 21% for the consensual approach) demonstrates a good capacity to detect potential dry spells and drought risks. As the objective seasonal forecasting approach has been officially endorsed by the directors of NMHSs of the 17 countries in West Africa and the Sahel, transitioning from traditional consensual seasonal forecasts, this new approach will be used during the future Regional Climate Outlook Forums (RCOFs) in the region. There is a need to continue improving the WASS2S tool for a more holistic forecasting and strengthening the capacities of more NMHSs staff to ensure the sustainability and regional ownership of objective forecasts. 2025-11 2026-01-08T22:51:40Z 2026-01-08T22:51:40Z Brief https://hdl.handle.net/10568/179567 en Open Access application/pdf Tanimoune, L.I., Nimon, P., Ali, A., Houngnibo, M.C.M., Alhassane, A., Mohamed, H., Soumana, D., Assoumana, B.T., Segnon, A.C., & Zougmoré, R.B. 2025. Comparative performance of the objective vs. consensual seasonal climate forecasting approaches in West Africa and the Sahel. AICCRA Brief. Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA).
spellingShingle climate change adaptation
resilience
climate services-climate information services
Tanimoune, Laouali I
Nimon, Pouwereou
Ali, Abdou
Houngnibo, Mandela C M
Alhassane, Agali
Mohamed, Hamatan
Soumana, Djibo
Assoumana, Boubacar Toukal
Segnon, Alcade Christel
Zougmore, Robert Bellarmin
Comparative performance of the objective vs. consensual seasonal climate forecasting approaches in West Africa and the Sahel
title Comparative performance of the objective vs. consensual seasonal climate forecasting approaches in West Africa and the Sahel
title_full Comparative performance of the objective vs. consensual seasonal climate forecasting approaches in West Africa and the Sahel
title_fullStr Comparative performance of the objective vs. consensual seasonal climate forecasting approaches in West Africa and the Sahel
title_full_unstemmed Comparative performance of the objective vs. consensual seasonal climate forecasting approaches in West Africa and the Sahel
title_short Comparative performance of the objective vs. consensual seasonal climate forecasting approaches in West Africa and the Sahel
title_sort comparative performance of the objective vs consensual seasonal climate forecasting approaches in west africa and the sahel
topic climate change adaptation
resilience
climate services-climate information services
url https://hdl.handle.net/10568/179567
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