Evaluating Drought and Dry Spells Effects on Crop Productivity inNorthern Ghana

West Africa is acutely vulnerable to climate change, which exacerbates droughts and floods driven
by fluctuations in dry and wet spells. This study investigates the spatiotemporal variability of these
spells across northern Ghana's agroecological zones—specifically the Sudan Savanna, Guinea
Savanna, and Transitional zones—over 40 years (1984–2024). Utilizing daily precipitation data from
the Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS) and soil moisture
content from NASA’s FLDAS Noah Land Surface Model, we assessed critical indices such as
consecutive dry days (CDD), consecutive wet days (CWD), and drought variability throughout the
rainy season from April to October. Results indicate that while the maximum CDD in the Sudan
Savannah decreased from 14 days in 1984-1993 to 11 days by 2014-2024, it still remains lower
than figures from the previous four decades. Increased CDD was recorded in the Guinea Savannah
and Transitional zones, with 2024 displaying higher values than all prior decades. Notably, the
Standardized Crop Yield Index (SYI) mirrored these fluctuations, showing deficits during the drier
years of 2014-2017, and increased yields during normal years, though significantly impacted by
the severity of drought conditions. These findings underscore the critical need for adaptive
management strategies in agriculture to enhance crop resilience and ensure food security. Given
the implications of these climatic shifts, particularly in the critical planting and growing periods,
effective water management and adaptable farming practices are paramount to mitigate the
socioeconomic risks associated with unpredictable rainfall patterns and varying crop yields in the
region.